Vincenzo Italiano discusses Jonathan Rowe's absence in Bologna's recent match and mentions that Rowe's future will be addressed with club directors. Bologna achieved a surprising 3-2 victory against Napoli, marking a significant win despite recent struggles.
Key points
Vincenzo Italiano discusses Jonathan Rowe's absence
Rowe's future will be discussed with club directors
Bologna won 3-2 against Napoli
Bologna beat Napoli home and away this season
Bologna struggled in their last four games
BolognaSerie AEuropa LeagueNapoli
Italiano: ‘Bologna future will be discussed, Rowe is unpredictable’
Italiano: ‘Bologna future will be discussed, Rowe is unpredictable’
The Rossoblu had stuttered in the closing stages of the season and failed to even find the net in their last four games between Serie A and the Europa League.
However, they caused a huge upset with this 3-2 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, meaning they beat Napoli home and away this term.
It was ultimately decided in stoppages by a spectacular Jonathan Rowe acrobatic volley, after Italiano confirmed he was not in the starting XI due to a slight injury.
Italiano joy at Bologna response
Q&A
Why didn't Jonathan Rowe start in Bologna's match against Napoli?
Vincenzo Italiano explained that Rowe's absence was due to unpredictable factors, though specific reasons were not detailed.
What did Vincenzo Italiano say about Bologna's future?
Italiano stated that Bologna's future will be discussed with club directors soon, indicating potential changes ahead.
How did Bologna perform against Napoli this season?
Bologna achieved a remarkable 3-2 victory against Napoli, winning both home and away matches this season.
What has been Bologna's recent performance in Serie A and Europa League?
Bologna struggled in their last four games, failing to score in those matches before their victory against Napoli.
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NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“Bernardeschi told me it’s in his contract that every time he gets substituted, he needs to kick the bottles around on the touchline,” joked Italiano on DAZN Italia.
“I am happy for Rowe, because I had told him he could come on today for 20-25 minutes and bring his unpredictability, as he had a nasty bruise to his foot against Cagliari and didn’t train much last week.
“When someone with his quality comes on, he must put it at the disposal of the team with his talent and taking men on. I feel we had the just reward for an excellent first half performance, clearly Napoli fought back, but we gave a strong response to a difficult period.”
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna FC 1909 scores his side third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Both Rowe and Bernardeschi were on target today, but have struggled with fitness issues and adapting to Serie A football.
“We knew that Berna needed some time, that English players struggle more than others to adapt to Serie A, but after four months he started to really understand the movements and work with his teammates. He is young and has shown a lot of quality.
“Berna has impressive statistics for his fitness levels, you see the quality he brings.”
“He is still very young, but has been a starter for the last two years, is improving the way he works for the team off the ball, he still has enormous margin for improvement. If he keeps his feet firmly on the ground and continues to show this effort, he can become a great centre-forward,” said the coach.
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Vincenzo Italiano Bologna FC 1909 head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Now Bologna are in eighth place, and although European qualification is beyond them, they can try to miss the first two rounds of the Coppa Italia next term.
“We were unable to be quite as amazing as last season, but there were some bright moments this year too, it’s a pity about the last few months, but now we have another two games and will hope to do as well as we did tonight,” continued Italiano.
The coach has been linked with a departure from Bologna and several clubs are said to be interested, including Milan and Napoli. The newspapers claim there will be a summit with directors tomorrow.
“I don’t know about there being a meeting tomorrow. There will be a meeting with the club to discuss how the season went and future plans, we did it last year and will do it again this time,” replied Italiano.
“I always said this is a top club and atmosphere around us, we were sad for the jeers recently, but these things happen. We’ll discuss it and see what we should do.”
