Bologna-Monza 0-0: rossoblù’s new slowdown, the Brianza wall resists

The fourth game in a row without conceding a goal and the unbeaten run extended to 413′ does not make Bologna happy as they collect their second 0-0 draw in a row against Monza and slow down further in the Champions League race by failing to keep Roma at a safe distance ( +4 but with one more race, ndr) in view of the expected direct clash with the Giallorossi, scheduled for 22 April at the Olimpico. The Bolognese players played a commendable match from the point of view of determination and courage but they were a little lacking both in the choices, in the final passage phase, and in the finishing. Monza played a very attentive defensive match, eventually snatching a point which continues to leave them hooked to the Conference train.

«The match report»

Di Gregorio responds to Orsolini in the first half

Bologna put a good pace into the match right from the first minutes but had no luck, repeatedly coming close to taking the lead: Orsolini challenged Di Gregorio twice then it was Zirkzee and Ferguson’s turn to narrowly miss the target. Monza had to roll up their sleeves to contain the rossoblù’s attacks and only one throw-in with Djuric gave Skorupski a scare.

Bologna wastes, Monza thanks

Monza tried to start in a different way in the second half and in doing so surprised the rossoblù who took a risk on a flying half-turn from Colpani, left alone in the area. However, it was just a flash in the pan. As the minutes passed, Bologna regained control of the operations but continued to lack clarity in the last few metres: Ferguson kicked at Di Gregorio following a through ball from Orsolini, the same hairpin was blocked by the red and white goalkeeper , careful at the near post on the opponent’s left. Adding to the festival of missed opportunities was Freuler in the 76th minute who, released in the area, curled a right-footed shot from a good position, sending it past the post to the left of Di Gregorio.

Injury to Ferguson

Palladino tried to ease the pressure by introducing Gagliardini, Daniel Maldini, Colombo and Valentin Carboni but Bologna, with Ndoye replacing Ferguson, forced off with a knee injury, continued to push. Di Gregorio responded while still present by clearing Orsolini’s free kick and then saw Ndoye’s right-footed shot just wide in the 90th minute. This was the last chance for Bologna still forced to remain dry but aware of having what it takes to grab one of the 5 tickets that will guarantee a place in the new super Champions League next year.

BOLOGNA-MONZA 0-0
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski 6; Posch 6, Lucumì 6.5, Beukema 6.5, Kristiansen 5.5; Aebischer 6, Freuler 6; Orsolini 7, Ferguson 6 (17’st Ndoye 6), Urbanski 5; Zirkzee 5. On the bench: Ravaglia, Ilic, Corazza, De Silvestri, Calafiori, Lykogiannis, Moro, Fabbian, El Azzouzi, Castro, Karlsson. Coach: T. Motta.
Monza (4-2-3-1): Gregory 7; Birindelli 6, Pablo Mari 6, Izzo 6, A.Carboni 5 (23rd Pedro Pereira 6); Akpa-Akpro 6 (34th Gagliardini Sv), Bondo 5.5 (39th Colombo Sv); Colpani 5.5 (39’st V.Carboni Sw), Pessina 6, Zerbin 5.5 (34’st Maldini Sw); Djuric 5.5. In the left: Sorrentino, Gori, D’Ambrosio, Donati, Kyriakopoulos, Ciurria, Vignato. Player: Palladino.
Referee: La Penna di Roma.
WarnedFerguson, Izzo, Beukema, Bondo, Birindelli, Ndoye.
Angles: 10-0 for Bologna.
Recovery: 1′; 5′.
Spectators: 26,903 (of which 14,271 subscribers) for a revenue of 619,970 euros.
Note: banner in the Bologna curve: “Working is a right, living more. Close to the affected families”. A minute of silence for the victims of Suviana.