Thiago Motta explains some of his surprise picks as Bologna host Inter and reacts to the description of his team as a ‘serpent’ ready to strike. ‘We can hurt them.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 17.00 GMT.
These are the two best teams in Italy right now, as the Rossoblu have won six Serie A matches in a row to consolidate fourth place, while the Nerazzurri are the runaway leaders 15 points clear at the top of the table.
The coach made some surprising choices for the starting XI, as while Lewis Ferguson has shaken off a knock, Jens Odgaard gets his first start in the Bologna jersey after two goals in three substitute appearances.
“Lewis Ferguson is fine. Jens will start this match because he is training well, every time he had to come on and help the team, he did well, so he deserves this opportunity,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.
“All the players must keep working and make the most of the moment.”
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini said last week that Bologna are like a serpent who wrap themselves around a team and squeeze them. Does Thiago Motta like that definition?
“I like to see my team be balanced on the field. We had a very good performance against Atalanta, the first half was complicated and very few have managed to get a result in Bergamo. We scored two goals in five minutes, so if the opponents aren’t careful, we can hurt them.
“Descriptions are fine, but we keep going the same way.”
Of course, the club symbol of Inter is the serpent and Bologna have already knocked them out of the Coppa Italia this season, as well as earning a 1-1 draw in Serie A.