Thiago Motta feels Bologna hitman Joshua Zirkzee could have a future at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, but ‘it depends on him’ after a brace against Salernitana.
The Rossoblu took themselves temporarily into fourth place ahead of Roma and will stay there if the Giallorossi draw with Fiorentina this evening.
Several records were beaten at the Stadio Arechi, as it was the first Bologna away victory of the season in Serie A and the first time Zirkzee managed two goals in a single game.
Salernitana tried a late fightback after the Nwankwo Simy strike, but it was too late.
“Winning away from home was a big objective for us,” confessed Thiago Motta to DAZN.
“The first half was very good, we also defended well, but the second was more complicated and we could’ve killed it off earlier.
“Having said that, we ultimately deserved the victory. It was only really the last 15 minutes that got complicated.”
It was quite a performance from Alexis Saelemaekers, who eventually got six different Salernitana players booked and Boulaye Dia in the first half risked more than just a yellow card for a blatant kick.
“I really liked his performance, we are all very happy, and also sad for those who didn’t get a chance today. There are some lads who don’t play as much, but they all give their best and make their contribution.”
Bayern Munich academy product Zirkzee had struggled for confidence in his first Serie A seasons with Parma and Bologna, but has really found his feet now with seven goals and two assists. Could he have a future in a big European club?
“It depends on him,” was the response from his coach.