Skorupski saves Bologna from defeat, but Adamu’s penalty denies Italiano his first European win
Bologna picked up their first Europa League point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Freiburg at the Stadio Dall’Ara. It was a match of two halves: Riccardo Orsolini gave the Rossoblù the lead in the first half, but Junior Adamu’s penalty after the break secured the Germans a valuable away point.
The home crowd was lifted in the 29th minute when Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu fumbled a loose ball inside the box. Orsolini reacted quickest, pouncing to slot home and put Bologna ahead. Before that, Bologna had to thank goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski and Castro for a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Freiburg.
Christian Streich’s side came out stronger in the second half, pushing Bologna deeper into their own half. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Castro handled inside the box. Adamu stepped up confidently and converted from the spot to make it 1-1.
The Rossoblù tried to reclaim the lead through substitutes Bernardeschi and Dallinga, but chances were few and far between. At the other end, Skorupski once again proved decisive, pulling off a string of saves to preserve the point.
For Thiago Motta’s replacement Vincenzo Italiano, the draw was a step forward after the opening defeat, though Bologna will feel they missed the chance to claim their first European win of the campaign.
Match Report
Bologna 1-1 Freiburg
Goals: 29’ Orsolini (B), 57’ Adamu (F, pen.)
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Vitik, Lucumí, Lykogiannis (66’ Miranda); Freuler, Ferguson (90+3’ Fabbian); Orsolini (66’ Bernardeschi), Odgaard, Cambiaghi (77’ Rowe); Castro (66’ Dallinga).
Coach: Vincenzo Italiano
Freiburg (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Lienhart, Osterhage, Eggestein, Beste (75’ Dinkci); Adamu (88’ Matanovic), Ginter; Treu, Grifo (46’ Scherhant), Makengo (80’ Günter); Manzambi (80’ Höler).
Coach: Christian Streich
Yellow Cards: Makengo (F), Skorupski (B), Lienhart (F), Holm (B)
Red Cards: —
Referee: Minakovic
