FC Bologna – a club steeped in history, currently experiencing a small renaissance. The Greyhounds are our opponents on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Europa League's league phase in Italy this Thursday at 21:00 CET. Time to find out about the Rossoblu and their home city.

League title made in Austria

FC Bologna were founded in 1909 and were particularly successful in their early years. A key figure in the club's early history was the Austrian Hermann Felsner, who, as the club's first coach, led the team to its greatest successes. Under his leadership, FC Bologna won the Scudetto, the Italian league title, a total of four times.

The last of their seven Italian titles was won in 1964. However, after a long trophy drought, they celebrated winning the Italian Cup last season.

7 Italian titles

Big names past and present

FC Bologna has recently been a destination for two stars of the Austrian national team stars: Stefan Posch and Marko Arnautovic both recently wore the Rossoblu jersey. Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee were also at Bologna in the recent past.

Italian international Riccardo Orsolini and the currently injured striker Ciro Immobile are among the best-known names at the club.

273 Million Euro estimated market value

European debut double

FC Bologna's European Cup record is characterised less by major titles than by occasional appearances. Their greatest success was winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1998. They made their UEFA Champions League debut last season, but did not advance beyond the league phase. Now, as the 2024/25 Italian Cup winners, they are taking part in the modern UEFA Europa League for the first time.

Italian football from Karlsruhe

The team, coached by Vincenzo Italiano – a fitting name - typically plays in a classic 4-2-3-1 formation. The Karlsruhe-born Italian, who has been in charge at Bologna since the summer of 2024, emphasises a patient, thoughtful possession-based style of play. The team aims to keep possession to maintain their shape and only quickly launch attacks when a clear opportunity arises.

Student hub

Bologna is located in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and has long been considered a vibrant and lively student city. It is home to the Alma Mater Studiorum, the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088.

The cityscape is characterised by nearly 40 kilometers of distinctive porticoes, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also in the heart of the famous Motor Valley, home to world-renowned brands such as Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Ducati.

A very special view

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FC Bologna's home ground is the historically significant Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. The stadium has already hosted matches at the 1934 and 1990 FIFA World Cups. It holds particular significance for Austria - as the place the Austrian national team celebrated a 2-1 victory against Hungary in the 1934 quarter-finals.

The stadium's landmark is the 42-meter-high Torre di Maratona al Littoriale, which towers above the imposing main stand. A renovation of the stadium has been keenly discussed for years but is yet to happen.

Cheer us on from home: The match between FC Bologna and our Red Bulls will be broadcast on Sky Sport Austria.

Fun facts on FC Bologna