Marco Di Vaio has reflected on his return to goal-scoring form and has thanked both his current and former Bologna Coaches for their help.
Speculation about 35-year-old Di Vaio’s future as a Bologna starter had arisen by the end of November after an eight-and-a-half-month period stretching back to April last season had yielded just one goal.
However, in netting in three consecutive games for the Felsinei, Di Vaio has rediscovered his scoring touch, something he credits is down to a mixture of preparation and tactics under past and present Coaches.
Marco Di Vaio has reflected on his return to goal-scoring form and has thanked both his current and former Bologna Coaches for their help.
Speculation about 35-year-old Di Vaio’s future as a Bologna starter had arisen by the end of November after an eight-and-a-half-month period stretching back to April last season had yielded just one goal.
However, in netting in three consecutive games for the Felsinei, Di Vaio has rediscovered his scoring touch, something he credits is down to a mixture of preparation and tactics under past and present Coaches.
“In 35 years I have not let what anyone has said about me affect me positively or negatively.
“My physical condition has improved a lot and for my way of playing this is crucial, whilst playing as the main striker is helping me, making me move more instinctively, without being influenced by the movements of a fellow strike-partner.”
Indeed, Di Vaio is keen to stress that Bologna do not need to bring striking reinforcements into the club in January, something that has been rumoured.
“We do not need any more strikers, already on the bench we have Robert Acquafresca who sees the goal like few others. He is a luxury for a team that struggles for survival.”
Di Vaio scored a first-time lobbed effort against Milan at the weekend.
“Maybe three weeks ago that chip wouldn’t have come off. As captain, the team’s difficult start weighed on me even more, I realised that I was not and could not help them in the condition I was in.”
Indeed, current Coach Stefano Pioli took action to start Di Vaio from the bench against Cagliari.
“I repeat, being benched against Cagliari was the right medicine. It helped me, I needed a jolt. Of course, I would like to play forever, but Pioli is very good.”
However, Di Vaio also had praise for Pioli’s predecessor Pierpaolo Bisoli and his tougher pre-season workout.
“[My recovery] is also down to the hard work he did at the beginning of the season which is now starting to pay off physically. This is a significant factor.”
Di Vaio faces another recent Bologna boss on Sunday when his side visit Alberto Malesani’s Genoa.
“I will be very happy to see Malesani, he was very important for me, a point of reference.”