New Bologna boss Sinisa Mihajlovic told his side they have no reason to fear Roma. “You can win even with a water pistol if you aim it properly.”
The Rossoblu have struggled badly in Serie A so far this season with just eight goals scored in 10 games and a total of six points, whereas the Giallorossi are now coming off a crushing 3-1 victory over Chelsea.
“You don’t need a rifle to win,” explained the former Lazio and Inter defender in his Press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash.
“We can hurt an opponent even with a water pistol, as if you hit them in the eye then it’ll do damage.”
Colourful metaphor aside, Bologna are running low on liquids, as they go into this game without the injured Christian Amoroso, Marcello Castellini, Luigi Lavecchia, Davide Bombardini and Sergio Volpi.
Morale is extremely poor after eight defeats in 10 games, although Bologna’s only points have come in victories over Milan and Lazio, so Roma provide an enticing challenge.
“I saw the lads very depressed on Tuesday, so I spoke to each one individually, trying to get my ideas and personality through to them.
“I am sure tomorrow the squad will give its best in terms of character. Everyone must fight to have a clean conscience come the final whistle so they can look themselves in the mirror.
“Win or lose is entirely possible, but first of all you need to put your heart and soul into the performance and have no fear of the opponent. Whoever is afraid has no place in my team.”
Mihajlovic has played against Francesco Totti many times in the Rome derby and will face the captain from the sidelines on Saturday.
“If he is physically fit then he is a great champion able to make the difference, but right now he is not 100 per cent. Totti isn’t the only danger, as we must look out for Mirko Vucinic and Simone Perrotta, not to mention that in terms of technique Roma are among the best in Italy.”
After years spent by Roberto Mancini’s side as his assistant manager at Inter, Mihajlovic prepares for his Serie A debut as a Coach.
“Of course it is hard work, but I don’t feel any particular emotion, as working at Inter even if only in charge of man management in the locker room is tougher than leading any other club.”
Mancini was fired by Inter after three straight Scudetti and was spotted at the Bologna training ground this week giving advice to his protégé.
“Will he be in the stadium tomorrow? Of course he will, he’s got nothing else to do all day!”
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