Bologna ascended back into the Serie A Champions League positions following a decisive 2-0 triumph over Hellas Verona at the Dall’Ara stadium on Friday evening. The goals, orchestrated by Rossoblu midfielders Giovanni Fabbian and Remo Freuler, solidified Thiago Motta’s squad in the highly coveted league standings.
Entering the match level on points with Atalanta, Bologna seized the opportunity to temporarily secure a spot in the Serie A top four by avoiding defeat. Conversely, for Verona, the fixture presented a chance to escape the relegation zone under the helm of Marco Baroni, but their aspirations were unmet on this occasion.
The game encountered an early disruption as referee Rosario Abisso sustained an injury merely three minutes into the action, necessitating medical attention from the Bologna staff. Consequently, fourth official Giacomo Camlone assumed refereeing duties, resulting in a brief pause that affected the flow of play.
Despite the interrupted start, both teams gradually settled into the rhythm of the match, with Bologna showcasing resilience and composure. Fabbian’s clinical finish in the 27th minute, following a sequence of set-piece opportunities, handed the hosts a deserved lead. Verona’s appeals for a foul were dismissed by the replacement referee, cementing Bologna’s advantage heading into halftime.
In the second half, Verona displayed glimpses of resurgence, but Skorupski’s error in goal failed to yield an equalizer as Suslov’s effort narrowly missed the target. Bologna capitalized on the ensuing momentum shift, with Fabbian turning provider for Freuler to double their lead with a well-taken volley.
Despite Verona’s late surge, exemplified by Mitrovic’s incisive run in injury time, Bologna remained resolute in defense, securing a valuable victory and maintaining a clean sheet. The result propelled Bologna into fourth place in Serie A, positioning them favorably for a Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Verona’s relegation concerns persist as they languish in 18th place with 20 points from 26 matches, with their fate subject to the outcomes of other weekend fixtures.