Orsolini: 'I can mature at Bologna'

By Football Italia staff

Riccardo Orsolini explains leaving Atalanta to join Bologna on loan from Juventus. “Roberto Donadoni is the right man to help me mature.”

The Italy Under-21 international was signed by Juve at the end of a bidding war, but struggled for playing time during an initial loan with Atalanta.

“I was happy in Bergamo and I thank the club, but I couldn’t break into the team and so preferred to make a change,” Orsolini told reporters at his presentation today.

“I have to take some of the blame for that, as it can’t just be the tactical system or Josip Ilicic’s presence. Serie A is a massive step up from Serie B just in terms of intensity and pace.”

It’s an 18-month loan to June 2019 with option to buy, but Juventus retain a counter-option.

“I knew of Bologna’s interest in me from the start of the transfer session, I watched some of their recent games and was impressed. I like to start on the right wing and cut inside, attacking the space. I do realise that I can improve in my defensive work.

“I think Coach Donadoni is the right man to help me mature and develop. I really want to prove myself worthy of the top flight.”

Orsolini has already found a new best friend in the Bologna squad.

“I get along great with Mattia Destro, because we are both from Ascoli, so we immediately formed a bond.”

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