Former Karpaty Lviv player Mykhailo Kopolovets shared his expectations from the Bologna vs Shakhtar clash in the Champions League.
Mikhail Kopolovets"Both teams are writing history: Bologna are Champions League debutants, while for Shakhtar it is the first meeting with this Italian club. Of course, it is a shame that the Citizens did not retain the ambitious squad, with which everyone reckoned in the Italian championship last season.
Why did this happen? Only the club management can give a comprehensive answer to this question. Of course, Shakhtar are aware of these changes and will try to gain significant dividends. At the moment, Bologna's renewed squad still lacks chemistry, and the new manager Vincenzo Italiano, who previously led Fiorentina, has a different style than the Citizens.
After all, it takes time for a coach to become his own for the players to believe in him. The fact that Italiano's relationship with his charges has not yet been properly adjusted should also be useful for the Pitmen.
On the other hand, Shakhtar haven't exactly started the season well either. I can't even remember when the Pitmen have suffered two defeats at the all-Ukrainian arena. Therefore, both teams will try to rehabilitate themselves in the Champions League, and it fuels interest in the clash. The main thing for Shakhtar in Bologna is not to lose. Because in the next round the opponent is more qualified - Atalanta," Kopolovets said.
