In this week’s Club Dago, we catch up with Gaetano D’Agostino — former playmaker and now coach — to break down some of the most intriguing storylines in Serie A. From Inter’s recent struggles to the rise of Bologna, and the fierce relegation battle, D’Agostino shares his insights on where the season might be headed.
Inter looked tired in the Derby. Do you think it’s more physical or mental fatigue at this point in the season? What kind of Inter–Roma matchup are you expecting?
Inter is coming off two straight losses — against Bologna and Milan. In my opinion, even if subconsciously, the Champions League is on their minds. Not because the league doesn’t matter, but because players want to be fully fit and available for that crucial game. That kind of thinking definitely impacted their performances in both matches. To me, they looked like a team playing with the handbrake on.
Football teaches us that even the best team — and Inter is the strongest in the league — can lose if they only play at 70%. Roma needs to seize this moment. I expect them to be aggressive, efficient, and tactically smart, ready to capitalize on any drop in Inter’s intensity or rhythm.
Of course, Inter can’t afford to lose three in a row with Barcelona on the horizon. But there are issues — especially when it comes to holding up over 90 minutes and managing squad rotation. When Inter rotates heavily, they lose bite, particularly up front. Roma has to exploit that.
Bologna under Italiano is fourth and has reached the Coppa Italia final against Milan. Are they the surprise team of the season? What do you expect in their next match at Udinese — a club you know well — especially since Udinese is safe from relegation, has no European goals, and has lost five straight? Have they checked out mentally?
Yes, I’d say Bologna is the revelation of the season — and not just because of this campaign. They already showed signs of growth last year. What stands out is the consistency and the fact that the club has a serious long-term plan.
Italiano is doing a fantastic job. He’s taken them to a cup final and is in the Champions League race. It’s a club with ambition, but also humility. They work quietly, stay grounded, and plan smartly. The executives know what they’re doing, and the coaching staff — Italiano and his team — are getting it right.
As for Udinese, unfortunately, it’s the same old story. For years now, there’s been a lack of ambition. This is the first time in seven or eight seasons that they’ve secured safety early, but it’s also clear they’re not really aiming for more. There’s no real drive or direction, and that reflects in their end-of-season form.
Lecce, Venezia, and Empoli — two of them are likely heading to Serie B unless someone above collapses. Which of the three deserves to stay up, and why?
For me, Venezia deserves to stay up. They’ve been the most consistent of the three, solid at the back, and even when they’ve lost, it’s usually been by narrow margins. They’ve shown stability and clarity throughout the season.
Empoli started off strong, really strong, but then lost their way as the season progressed. Lecce has been up and down — some good performances, followed by three straight losses, and then a coaching change. Among these three, Venezia has had the steadiest level of performance, and that’s why I think they’ve earned the right to stay in Serie A.
