Riccardo Orsolini admits he had to ‘ask myself a lot of questions’ after he was left out of the Italy squad for EURO 2024, but is now ready to surf ‘a wonderful wave’ at Bologna.
The winger had been hugely impressive last season on their march to fifth place in Serie A and consequently Champions League qualification.
The last two seasons have been the most prolific of his campaign, scoring a total 21 Serie A goals in 65 games, so seemed a certainty for the tournament in Germany.
Instead, Luciano Spalletti cut him from the final squad list for the EURO 2024 tournament.
“Initially, it was immensely disappointing and I was really not OK during that period,” said Orsolini in a pre-season conference.
“I promised myself that I would never suffer again like that for a sporting matter. The greatest victory was to receive messages of affection and reassurance from everywhere during that period, not just Bologna fans. That was wonderful.
“Inevitably, I asked myself a lot of questions and spent several days staring at the ceiling. It was a decision that might’ve depended on me, but not entirely. I switched my phone off, even my family was worried about talking to me during that period, that I might snap at them.”
Is the 27-year-old still thinking about getting into the Italy squad?
“Not now, no. I am focused only on Bologna.”
Orsolini now a veteran at Bologna
His role in the club could get stronger under new coach Vincenzo Italiano, as Orsolini is expected to be co-captain with veteran Lorenzo De Silvestri.
“I think the moment has come, after many years, to be what I struggled to be in the past, which is a reference point for the younger players. I will be helped by the likes of De Silvestri, Skorupski and Freuler within a Bologna side that will try to maintain the characteristics we showed last season.
“On a personal level, I’d like to be more of a father figure to the younger players. I don’t need to dream too much, but can still do great things in this jersey.”
The winger has been at the Stadio Dall’Ara since January 2018 and admits there have been plenty of ups as well as downs.
“I’ve seen all sorts since 2018, from being locked in the dressing rooms for four hours after losing to Frosinone, to the period with Sinisa Mihajlovic when he was ill, then qualifying for the Champions League this year,” concluded Orsolini.
“Being at Bologna is like riding a wonderful wave, and I feel like a surfer!”