Dallinga: ‘Bologna suits me, but I didn’t talk to Zirkzee’

New Bologna signing Thijs Dallinga says Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are his role models but admits he didn’t talk to ex-Rossoblu striker Zirkzee about his move to the Stadio Dall’Ara.

Dallinga has replaced his compatriot at Bologna, completing a €15m transfer from Toulouse. Zirkzee has joined Manchester United but has welcomed Dallinga to Bologna on social media.

Despite that, the new Rossoblu signing said he hadn’t talked to his compatriot before accepting the offer from the Italian club.

“I didn’t speak with Josh before coming here,” he said at a press conference on Friday.

“But I know him because I played with him for the national team a couple of times. I know him a little, but I didn’t talk to him this time before coming here.

“The Italian league is a big league with a lot of history,” continued Dallinga.

Dallinga: ‘Bologna suits me, but I didn’t talk to Zirkzee’

“Of course, the main thing is to score goals and be active in possession as well. But also be active defensively, press high and be aggressive in duels.”

Bologna hired Vincenzo Italiano as their new head coach to replace Thiago Motta. Italiano is known to be very demanding so Dallinga was asked his thoughts on the coach’s attitude.

“We are going to play in the Champions League, and we are ambitious, so it’s a good thing to push the team, especially now,” he said.

“The Italian league is strong with big defenders, but I trust myself and I believe I can make an impact here. Bologna is a nice opportunity to show myself in this league after France and Holland. I think it was the time for a new challenge and I think this suits me perfectly.”

What can he offer to Bologna?

“If you look at least seasons, the biggest strength is to be in the box and get the balls to be dangerous there, trying to score as many goals as possible,” he replied.

“However, I also like to be involved in the game and connect with my teammates; these are my most important strengths.”

His role models surely are two of the best goal-scorers in the last decade.

“They are Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic,” said the Bologna forward.

“They are two big strikers to look up to. Suarez played in the same club where I grew up, Groningen, and I’ve followed him ever since. He’s had an incredible career, and the same is true for Ibra.”

Dallinga has scored 26 goals in 69 Ligue 1 appearances and reached double figures for goals at Toulouse in the last two seasons at the club.

During the same press conference, Bologna director Claudio Fenucci confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori would leave the club. The Italian defender is expected to undergo his medical with Bologna on Saturday.