Bologna F.c Best Players of All Time

Andrew Kovacs

Bologna Football Club 1909, commonly known as Bologna FC, is one of the most successful and historic Italian football clubs. Founded in 1909 by a group of students from University College, they have gone on to win seven top flight titles, two Coppa Italia trophies and an Intertoto Cup title over their illustrious history. With some of Italy’s greatest ever players having graced the turf at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara such as Roberto Baggio and Giacomo Bulleri they are considered amongst the elite teams in Serie A along with Juventus, AC Milan & Inter Milan. Boasting passionate support from its fans throughout Emilia-Romagna region has helped them become one of Europe’s most respected teams for more than 100 years.

Table of Contents

1. Angelo Schiavio

Bologna F.C. 1909

Angelo Schiavio Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1922–1939: Bologna: 179: (109)
  • Total: : 179: (109)
  • 1925–1934: Italy: 21: (15)
  • 1933–1934: Bologna
  • 1946: Bologna
  • 1953–1958: Italy

Angelo Schiavio was a prolific striker who played for Bologna between 1922 and 1939. He is best remembered in Italy for his role in the 1934 World Cup, where he scored two goals in Italy's run to the final.

After retiring from playing, Angelo became a coach with several Italian clubs before dying aged 84 years old in 1990. Angelo is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, and his 179 career appearances for Bologna make him their second most-capped player after Giuseppe Meazza.

Angelo Schiavio was a professional football manager who coached clubs in Italy and Central Europe. Angelo Schiavio was born on December 10, 1903 in Bologna, Italy. Angelo Schiavio began his managerial career with Bologna in 1933 before moving to Serie A club Fiorentina the following year.

He then spent five seasons at Roma before joining Austrian side Rapid Wien in 1938 where he remained for six years overseeing their successful climb up the Bundesliga table. 

In 1953, Angelo Schiavio took over as head coach of Italian national team and led them to victory at the 1954 World Cup which marked their first international title since 1927.

The same year saw him take charge of Austria for one match during their unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 1958 FIFA World Cup finals in Sweden; they finished bottom of their group without scoring a goal). 

After leaving coaching duties, Angelo Schiavio served as president of several Italian sporting associations until his death on October 25th, 2001 aged 89 years old.

2. Ezio Pascutti

Bologna F.C. 1909

Ezio Pascutti Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1955–1969: Bologna: 296: (130)
  • 1958–1967: Italy: 17: (8)
  • 1986–1987: Sassuolo
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ezio Pascutti was a talented Italian footballer who played as a winger for several clubs including Bologna, Juventus and Napoli. He is best known for his time with Bologna where he helped the club to win the Serie A title in 1964–65 and Coppa Italia in 1965.

Pascutti also appeared at international level for Italy, winning 39 caps between 1958 and 1967 and making one appearance at the World Cup Finals in 1962. 

After retiring from football, Pascutti ran a furniture business before he died aged 79 on 4 January 2017 after a long illness Ezio Pascutti was a forward that played for several clubs during his career, most notably Bologna and Italy.

Ezio is best known for scoring the winning goal in the 1970 World Cup final against West Germany. After retiring from playing, he served as manager of Sassuolo between 1986 and 1987 before moving on to other roles within football administration.

3. Gary Medel

Bologna F.C. 1909

Gary Medel Career

  • 1997–2006: Universidad Católica
  • 2006–2009: Universidad Católica
  • 2009–2011: Boca Juniors
  • 2011–2013: Sevilla
  • 2013–2014: Cardiff City
  • 2014–2017: Inter Milan
  • 2017–2019: Beşiktaş
  • 2019–: Bologna
  • 2007: Chile U20
  • 2008: Chile U23
  • 2007–: Chile

Gary Medel was born in 1987 and started his career with Universidad Católica. He joined Boca Juniors in 2009, playing 46 games for them before moving to Sevilla the next year.

Gary is a versatile defender who can also play midfield if needed, which has seen him start 39 of 78 appearances he's made for Sevilla thus far. 

With Chile, he won silver at the 2011 South American Youth Championship and gold at the 2013 Copa América Centenario where he captained the side to victory over Argentina in the final (the first Chilean team ever to do so).

In May 2017, it was announced that Gary had signed for Italian club Bologna on a three-year contract. Gary is married with two children and is often involved in charity work alongside his wife.

Gary Medel is a Chilean international footballer who most recently played for Inter Milan. Gary was born in Santiago and started playing football at an early age with local side Colo-Colo before joining the English club Cardiff City in 2013.

After impressing whilst on loan at Italian side Internazionale, he joined the Serie A giants permanently in 2014 where he went on to make 91 appearances across three seasons. 

In 2017, after spells with Beşiktaş and Bologna, Gary moved to Chile where he signed for Primera División champions Unión Española. 

Having made 83 appearances for his new team over two years, Gary has now decided it's time to retire from professional football and return home to Chile.

4. Lewis Ferguson

Aberdeen F.C.

Lewis Ferguson Career

  • 2009–2013: Rangers
  • 2013–2017: Hamilton Academical
  • 2017–2018: Hamilton Academical
  • 2018–2022: Aberdeen
  • 2022: Bologna
  • 2017–2018: Scotland U19
  • 2018: Scotland U20
  • 2018–2020: Scotland U21
  • 2021: Scotland
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:31, 04 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22

Lewis Ferguson was born on 24 August 1999 in Hamilton, Scotland. Lewis started his career at Rangers before moving to Hamilton Academical in 2013. He has played for Bologna since 2017 and is currently a regular member of the team.

Lewis is known for his strong midfield play and has helped Bologna achieve some impressive results over the years. 

Lewis has been capped by Scotland at under-19 level and also represented them at under-21 level Lewis Ferguson is a Scottish footballer who plays for Aberdeen.

He has represented Scotland at youth levels and made his debut for the senior team in 2018. Lewis' main asset is his passing ability, which he uses to help create chances for teammates. 

His contract with Aberdeen runs until 2022, and it's likely that he will be part of the side when they compete in European competitions next season.

Lewis is highly-rated within football circles and looks set to continue making contributions to the game for many years to come.

Also Played For: scotland's best football players, aberdeen

5. Giuseppe Savoldi

Bologna F.C. 1909

Giuseppe Savoldi Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1965–1968: Atalanta: 57: (17)
  • 1968–1975: Bologna: 201: (85)
  • 1975–1979: Napoli: 118: (55)
  • 1979–1982: Bologna: 29: (11)
  • 1982–1983: Atalanta: 16: (1)
  • Total: : 421: (169)
  • 1968–1969: Italy U-21: 7: (1)
  • 1975: Italy: 4: (1)
  • 1985–1988: Atalanta U19
  • 1989: Carrarese
  • 1997: Siena
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Giuseppe Savoldi was a prolific striker who played for Bologna during the 1970s. He made 201 appearances for the club, scoring 85 goals in the process. Savoldi retired from football in 1975 at the age of just 27 years old after helping Bologna to win two Serie A titles and reach three other cup finals.

Giuseppe is now considered one of Italy's greatest ever strikers and he has been inducted into both the Italian Football Hall of Fame and Bologna's hall of fame. 

In 2007, he was honoured with a statue outside the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in his home town Gorlago, Bergamo, Italy Giuseppe Savoldi was a legendary midfielder who played for Napoli and Bologna during his career.

He enjoyed great success with Napoli, winning several titles and being part of the side that reached the final of the European Cup in 1982. 

After leaving Napoli, he spent two seasons at Bologna before moving on to Atalanta, where he won another championship title. Giuseppe Savoldi retired from football in 1988 after playing for Carrarese following Siena's relegation from Serie A.

He has since managed several clubs including Atalanta U19, Carrarese and Siena respectively, but is now most famous as a television pundit or coach.

6. Charalampos Lykogiannis

Cagliari Calcio

Charalampos Lykogiannis Career

  • 2007–2011: Olympiacos
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2011–2015: Olympiacos: 4: (0)
  • 2013–2014: → Levadiakos (loan): 22: (0)
  • 2014–2015: → Ergotelis (loan): 22: (1)
  • 2015–2018: Sturm Graz: 71: (6)
  • 2018–2022: Cagliari: 101: (5)
  • 2022–: Bologna: 11: (1)
  • 2007–2009: Greece U17: 9: (0)
  • 2011–2012: Greece U19: 12: (1)
  • 2013–2014: Greece U20: 4: (0)
  • 2012–2015: Greece U21: 9: (0)
  • 2017–: Greece: 6: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 07:13, 10 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20:00, 10 April 2022 (UTC).

Lykogiannis is a left-back who has played for Olympiacos and Bologna in the Greek Super League. Lykogiannis made his debut with Olympos during the 2007–2008 season, and went on to make 78 appearances for the club over four seasons.

He then moved to Serie A side Bologna ahead of the 2014–2015 campaign, where he has since made 49 appearances. 

Lykogiannis represented Greece at under-19 level before making his senior international debut in November 2012. He has since won seven caps and been a regular member of Gianni De Biasi's squad.

In addition to playing football, Lykogiannis is also an accomplished athlete; he competed in shot put at the 2015 European Championships as well as represented Greece at both indoor and outdoor track events Born into a family of seafarers.

Lykogiannis grew up supporting Panathinaikos FC[6]; after retiring from football he plans to start working as a ship captain.

7. Marko Arnautović

Bologna F.C. 1909

Marko Arnautović Career

  • 1995–1998: Floridsdorfer AC
  • 1998–2001: FK Austria Wien
  • 2001–2002: First Vienna FC
  • 2002–2003: FK Austria Wien
  • 2003–2004: SK Rapid Wien
  • 2004–2006: Floridsdorfer AC
  • 2006–2007: Jong FC Twente
  • 2007–2010: Twente
  • 2009–2010: Inter Milan (loan)
  • 2010–2013: Werder Bremen
  • 2013–2017: Stoke City
  • 2017–2019: West Ham United
  • 2019–2021: Shanghai Port
  • 2021: Bologna
  • 2007: Austria U19
  • 2007–2010: Austria U21
  • 2008: Austria
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:21, 4 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23

Arnautović is a forward who currently plays for Bologna in Italy. He has played for several clubs throughout his career, most notably FK Austria Wien and First Vienna FC.

Arnautović was born on 19 April 1989 in Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria. At 1.92 m (6 ft 4in), he is tall enough to play as a forward but also able to fill in at other positions on the field effectively due to his versatile playing style.

Arnautović started out his youth career with Floridsdorfer AC before moving on to FK Austria Wien and then First Vienna FC later on in his development period as a footballer. 

He made his professional debut during the 2002–2003 season with Austrian side FK Austria Wien, scoring two goals in twenty-one appearances over that campaign including one appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage against Feyenoord Rotterdam.

After impressing with Austrian club Rapid Wiener Neustadt during the 2006–07 season, Arnautović transferred to Italian side Fiorentina where he would spend three seasons before moving back home to sign for Bologna ahead of their 2017–18 Serie A campaign.

8. Nicolás Domínguez

Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield

Nicolás Domínguez Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2017–2019: Vélez Sarsfield: 65: (7)
  • 2019–: Bologna: 80: (2)
  • 2019–2020: → Vélez Sarsfield (loan): 10: (2)
  • 2019–: Argentina: 11: (1)

Nicolás Domínguez is a young central midfielder who currently plays for Serie A side Bologna. He came through the ranks at Vélez Sarsfield, making his senior debut in 2017 and becoming an important part of the team over the following two seasons.

Domínguez has been capped by Argentina at youth level and was included in their preliminary squad for the World Cup this year. With excellent technical ability and a good passing range, he is likely to become a key player in midfield for clubs across Europe in the future.

Nicolás Domínguez Nicolás Domínguez was born on February 10, 1998 in the city of Bologna, Italy. He started his professional football career at hometown club Bologna F.C., making his Serie A debut in 2016 and scoring one goal during the campaign. 

In January 2019, he signed with Argentine Primera División side Vélez Sarsfield on loan for the remainder of the season.

Nicolás has represented Argentina at both under-17 and under-20 levels before making his senior international debut in March 2019 against Uruguay. At 22 years old, Nicolás is still developing as a player and looks to continue improving both domestically and internationally in future seasons.

9. Musa Barrow

Atalanta B.C.

Musa Barrow Career

  • : Hawks
  • 2016–2018: Atalanta
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2018–2021: Atalanta: 41: (4)
  • 2019–2021: → Bologna (loan): 56: (17)
  • 2021–: Bologna: 40: (8)
  • 2018: Gambia U23: 1: (1)
  • 2018–: Gambia: 28: (5)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11:44, 16 October 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19:12, 8 June 2022 (UTC)

Musa Barrow is a forward who currently plays for Bologna. He was born in The Gambia and started playing football at an early age, eventually joining local side Kanifing Estate.

2. Musa made his senior debut for the Gambia in 2018 and has since gone on to make five appearances, scoring one goal. 3. In 2017, Musa signed with Italian side Cosenza but only played six matches before being released due to lack of first-team opportunities.

4. After leaving Cosenza, Musa joined fellow Serie A club Bologna in January 2019 and has since made seven appearances, all as a substitute, without scoring any goals Musa Barrow is a young Nigerian football player who has had an illustrious career with several top European clubs.

Musa Barrow began his playing career at age 17 with Italian side Atalanta, where he made 41 appearances and scored four goals in all competitions over the course of two seasons. 

He then transferred to Serie B side Bologna on loan for the 2019–20 season and was very successful, scoring 56 goals in just 18 matches across all competitions – making him their leading scorer this term.

MusaBarrow recently signed for Serie A side Bologna on a permanent deal, becoming their fourth highest-paid player behind Andrea Belotti, Roberto Soriano and Leonardo Bonucci – demonstrating his immense talent as one of Europe’s top forwards. 

The Nigeria international has also represented Gambia at senior level once (2018) and played well enough to earn himself a call-up for the 2020 African Cup of Nations squad which will be hosted by Egypt later this year; looking to add another trophy to his already lengthy list.

10. Wisdom Amey

Career

  • 2016–2018: Bassano Virtus
  • 2018–2019: Vicenza Virtus
  • 2019–: Bologna
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2021–: Bologna: 2: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 01:06, 22 May 2022 (UTC)

Wisdom Amey is a young and talented centre-back who currently plays for Italian Serie A side Bologna. Wisdom Amey has represented his country at under-17 level, and appeared in the U20 European Championships earlier this year.

Blessed with excellent pace, agility and strength, Wisdom Amey is considered one of Italy's most promising defenders prospectus. 

Having made his debut for Bologna aged 17 in 2017/18 season, it will be interesting to see how much further Wisdom Amey can progress during his time with the club Wisdom Amey is a young player who has been successful in both his youth and senior career.

He joined Vicenza Virtus in 2016, where he quickly became a key member of the team, appearing in all 2 seasons and scoring 0 goals. 

Ahead of the 2018/19 season, Wisdom Amey moved to Bassano Virtus where he continued to be an important part of the side and helped them win promotion back into Serie B after being relegated last season. 

With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Wisdom Amey will now look to continue his success with another club ahead of European football next year.

A hard-working midfielder who always puts in an effort for his team no matter what situation they are facing, Wisdom Amey is someone that fans can rely on during tough times or when the team needs a goal to get them over the line – which they have done on multiple occasions throughout his career so far.

11. Andrea Cambiaso

Career

  • 2015–2017: Genoa
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2017–2022: Genoa: 26: (1)
  • 2017–2018: → Albissola (loan): 24: (0)
  • 2018–2019: → Savona (loan): 33: (2)
  • 2019–2020: → Alessandria (loan): 17: (0)
  • 2020–2021: → Empoli (loan): 7: (0)
  • 2022–: Juventus: 0: (0)
  • 2022–: → Bologna (loan): 0: (0)
  • 2021–: Italy U21: 7: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:14, 29 June 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 26 September 2022

Andrea Cambiaso is a full-back who currently plays for Bologna on loan from Juventus. Andrea Cambiaso started his youth career with Genoa before moving to Juventus in 2015.

Andrea Cambiaso made his Serie A debut for Juve in 2016 and has since played over 100 games for the club. In 2018, Andrea Cambiaso was named Italian Young Footballer of the Year after helping lead Juve to their fourth consecutive Scudetto title.

With age and experience behind him, Andrea Cambiaso looks set to continue playing at a high level for some time to come - making him one of the most promising defenders in Europe. Andrea Cambiaso is a veteran Italian footballer who has played for several top-flight clubs over the course of his career.

He started his professional career at Genoa in 2017, and went on to make 26 appearances for the club over two seasons. In 2018, he joined Albissola on loan and helped them finish second in their division. 

The following year, he rejoined Savona on a loan deal and scored 33 goals in just 24 appearances - making him one of Serie A's most prolific strikers that season.

 Andrea then signed with Alessandria on a short-term basis before joining Juventus midway through the 2020/21 season - where he made no competitive appearances due to injury. 

However, after recovering from surgery late into the campaign, Cambiaso was called up to Italy U21s for 7 matches during the 2021/22 season where he recorded seven goals as they reached the semi finals of European Championships qualifying.

12. Francesco Bardi

Frosinone Calcio

Francesco Bardi Career

  • 1999–2003: Sorgenti Labrone
  • 2003–2010: Livorno
  • 2010–2011: Livorno
  • 2011–2018: Internazionale
  • 2011–2012: → Livorno (loan)
  • 2012–2013: → Novara (loan)
  • 2013–2014: → Livorno (loan)
  • 2014–2015: → Chievo (loan)
  • 2015: → Espanyol (loan)
  • 2015–2018: → Frosinone (loan)
  • 2018–2021: Frosinone
  • 2021–: Bologna
  • 2009: Italy U17
  • 2009: Italy U18
  • 2010–2011: Italy U19
  • 2011–2015: Italy U21
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:42, 15 June 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 24 June 2015

Francesco Bardi is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Serie A club Bologna. Bardi started his career at Livorno, where he made over 100 appearances during three spells with the club.

In 2010, he moved to Sorgenti Labrone and helped them reach the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia that year. After two seasons with Sorgenti Labrone, Francesco signed for Bologna in 2013 and has since made over 160 appearances for the club.

He was part of Italy's Under-21 squad that played in the 2012 European Championship but didn't feature in any games as they were eliminated in the first round by Spain. 

Bardi was called up to Italy's senior team for a 2018 World Cup qualifying game against San Marino on 6 September 2017 but did not make an appearance due to injury.[

He returned to action as second choice behind Salvatore Sirigu from October until December 2017 before finally being given his chance again as starter from March onwards and kept this role until May when he picked up another injury which ruled him out till November.

In January 2019, it was announced that Francesco would be sidelined indefinitely after sustaining an injury while playing against Crotone.

Also Played For: euro u21

13. Łukasz Skorupski

Bologna F.C. 1909

Łukasz Skorupski Career

  • 1998–2003: Pogoń Zabrze
  • 2003–2008: Górnik Zabrze
  • 2008–2013: Górnik Zabrze
  • 2010–2011: Ruch Radzionków (loan)
  • 2013–2018: Roma
  • 2015–2017: Empoli (loan)
  • 2018: Bologna
  • 2011: Poland U20
  • 2011–2012: Poland U21
  • 2012: Poland
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:27, 13 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22

Skorupski is a Polish goalkeeper who currently plays for Bologna. Skorupski made his professional debut in the 2010–11 season, and has since become a first-team regular.

He was named Poland's Young Player of the Year in 2012 and 2017, and also won the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Award in 2016. 

Skorupski represented his country at UEFA Euro 2016, where he helped them reach the semi-finals before being knocked out by Portugal.

In total, Łukasz Skorupski has made over 190 appearances for Bologna across all competitions.[1] Skorupski is a Polish footballer who currently plays for Italian club Roma. 

Górnik Zabrze before moving to Roma in 2013. He has represented Poland at U20 and U21 level, as well as the senior side.

In 2018 he joined Bologna on loan from Roma and has since made 154 appearances for the club overall. Europe's top leagues.

Also Played For: poland national football team, polish soccer league

14. Gianluca Pagliuca

U.C. Sampdoria

Gianluca Pagliuca Career

  • 1984–1986: Bologna
  • 1987–1994: Sampdoria
  • 1994–1999: Internazionale
  • 1999–2006: Bologna
  • 2006–2007: Ascoli
  • 1989 .: Italy U21
  • 1996: Italy Olympic (O.P.)
  • 1990–1998: Italy

Gianluca Pagliuca is a world-renowned goalkeeper who played for Sampdoria and Internazionale during his career. Gianluca Pagliuca was born in 1966 in Bologna, Italy.

Gianluca Pagliova spent most of his youth playing for Serie A side Bologna before moving to Inter Milan in 1987. 

After spending six seasons at Inter, he moved to Sampdoria in 1994 where he remained until 1999 when he retired from football due to injury aged 36 years old.

He made 198 appearances for Sampdoria and 165 appearances for Inter Milan over the course of his 12-year professional career Gianluca Pagliuca was born on September 25, 1979 in Bologna, Italy.

He began his professional career at hometown club Bologna F.C., where he played for six seasons before moving to Serie A side Ascoli Calcio in 2006. 

After playing two seasons with Ascoli, Gianluca joined English Premier League side Chelsea FC on a free transfer in 2007. 

At Chelsea he won the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League during his three-year stay there before returning to Italian football with newly promoted outfit Torino CF in 2011/12 season.

In 2013 Pagliuca moved back to England joining Fulham FC but left them after just one season due to family reasons and signed for Siena Calcio until the end of the 2017–18 campaign.

Also Played For: u.c. sampdoria

15. Lorenzo De Silvestri

Italy national football team

Lorenzo De Silvestri Career

  • : Lazio
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2006–2009: Lazio: 47: (0)
  • 2009–2014: Fiorentina: 74: (2)
  • 2012–2014: → Sampdoria (loan): 59: (4)
  • 2014–2016: Sampdoria: 50: (5)
  • 2016–2020: Torino: 112: (8)
  • 2020–: Bologna: 66: (5)
  • 2003–2004: Italy U-16: 18: (1)
  • 2003–2005: Italy U-17: 18: (3)
  • 2005: Italy U-18: 2: (0)
  • 2005–2007: Italy U-19: 10: (0)
  • 2006: Italy U-20: 1: (0)
  • 2007–2010: Italy U-21[1]: 11: (0)
  • 2008: Olympic Italy: 6[2]: (0)
  • 2010–2016: Italy: 6: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:58, 17 September 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 29 March 2016

Lorenzo De Silvestri is a professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Italian club Bologna. He began his career with Lazio, making 47 appearances in two seasons before joining Serie A rivals Napoli in 2009.

De Silvestri spent three years at Napoli, winning the Coppa Italia twice and helping them reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in 2012–13. In June 2014, he joined Bologna on a four-year contract worth €8 million (£6 million).

His debut season at Bologna was successful; they finished fifth in Serie A and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League where they were eliminated by eventual winners Sevilla. 

After another strong campaign which saw them finish sixth in Serie A and qualify for Europe again via league position, De Silvestri signed a one-year extension to his contract until 2020 on 29 May 2017.

On 12 December 2018 he made his 100th appearance for Bologna since joining from Lazzio back in 2006 when he played against Chievo Verona coming off the bench replacing Simone Zaza after 73 minutes playing all 90 minutes of that match conceding just 1 goal scoring no more goals during this entire season.

16. Riccardo Orsolini

Bologna F.C. 1909

Career

  • : Ascoli
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2014–2017: Ascoli: 50: (8)
  • 2017–2019: Juventus: 0: (0)
  • 2017–2018: → Atalanta (loan): 8: (0)
  • 2018–2019: → Bologna (loan): 43: (8)
  • 2019–: Bologna: 114: (24)
  • 2016–2017: Italy U20: 12: (8)
  • 2017–2019: Italy U21: 15: (3)
  • 2019–: Italy: 2: (2)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:46, 10 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:06, 11 November 2020 (UTC)

Riccardo Orsolini is a young Italian winger who currently plays for Bologna. He started his career at Ascoli Piceno, before moving to Serie A side Bologna in 2017.

In total, Orsolini has made 36 appearances for the Italy U-17 and U-19 teams, scoring 5 goals. At club level, he has played 137 times for Bologna (96 starts), scoring 13 goals and providing 20 assists.

Riccardo Orsolini is considered one of the most promising young stars in Italian football and could soon join an illustrious list of players such as Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paolo Maldini at senior level.

Often compared to Andrea Pirlo, Riccardo Orsolini is a midfield maestro who has spent most of his career at Juventus. A product of the famed Atalanta youth academy, Orsolini made his Serie A debut in 2014 and went on to score 50 goals for Juve over eight seasons.

In 2017, he joined fellow Italian side Bologna on loan and ended the campaign with 43 appearances and 8 goals under his belt. 

The 30-year-old was called up to Italy's U21 team in 2016 but did not make an appearance before being capped twice by Gian Pierluigi Buffon's senior side since then - scoring against Scotland in 2018 and Uruguay last November.

With 114 appearances spread across 24 teams during his senior career so far, Orsolini will hope to add another title or two to his haul before hanging up his boots.

17. Adama Soumaoro

LOSC Lille

Adama Soumaoro Career

  • 2011–2019: Lille B
  • 2011–2021: Lille
  • 2020: Genoa (loan)
  • 2021: Bologna (loan)
  • 2021: Bologna
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:34, 14 November 2022 (UTC)

Adama Soumaoro is a defender who currently plays for Bologna. He was born in France in 1992, and started playing football at the age of six. He made his professional debut with Lille in 2011, before signing for Bologna in 2016.

Adama has represented his country at under-21 level, and played four times during the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. He is known as a combative full back who is good on the ball; he has been likened to Bacary Sagna by some analysts.

Adama Soumaoro is expected to feature prominently for Bologna this season as they aim to return to Serie A after a two-year absence Adama Soumaoro was born in Lille, France on 2nd of July 1994.

Adama started his youth career with local side Lille B before joining senior team Lille in 2011. He made 73 appearances for the club over two seasons before moving to Serie A side Genoa on loan in 2020. 

At the end of that season he moved to fellow Italian side Bologna on a permanent basis where he has made 38 appearances so far. Adama is currently contracted to Bologna until 2021 and is considered one of the best young prospects in Europe.

Also Played For: losc lille

18. Nicola Sansone

Italy national football team

Nicola Sansone Career

  • –2002: SV Neuperlach
  • 2002–2010: Bayern Munich
  • 2010–2011: Bayern Munich II
  • 2011–2014: Parma
  • 2011–2012: → Crotone (loan)
  • 2014–2016: Sassuolo
  • 2016–2019: Villarreal
  • 2019: → Bologna (loan)
  • 2019–: Bologna
  • 2007: Italy U17
  • 2009: Italy U18
  • 2009–2010: Italy U19
  • 2012: Italy U20
  • 2012–2013: Italy U21
  • 2015–2016: Italy
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 09:07, 13 June 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15 November 2016

Nicola Sansone is a forward for Bologna. He made his senior debut with Bayern Munich in 2010, and has since played for the club on various loan spells. 

In total, he has scored over 30 goals in league play, including 14 during the 2016/17 season which helped Bologna secure promotion back to Serie A.

Nicola Sansone was born in Germany but moved to Italy as a child, where he started playing football at SV Neuperlach before moving onto Bayern Munich's youth system. 

After making several first-team appearances for Bayern's reserve team and spending time on loan with SC Freiburg and Hannover 96, Sansone signed with Bologna permanently in 2017/18. 

After helping them gain promotion from Serie B last season Nicola Sansone started his career with Bayern Munich II before joining Parma in 2011.

After two seasons at Parma, he moved to Crotone on a loan deal and then back to Parma the following season. In 2014, Sansone joined Sassuolo where he spent four years before moving on to Villarreal in 2016. 

In 2019, Sansone signed for Bologna on a long-term contract and has since helped them reach the top half of Serie A every year since arrival. Nicola Sansone has also played for Italy U17s, U18s, U19s and Italy U21s but has yet to make an appearance for the senior team.

19. Jerdy Schouten

Bologna F.C. 1909

Career

  • 2008–2016: ADO Den Haag
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2016–2017: ADO Den Haag: 2: (0)
  • 2017–2018: Telstar: 37: (4)
  • 2018–2019: Excelsior: 31: (1)
  • 2019–: Bologna: 70: (2)
  • 2022–: Netherlands: 1: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:55, 21 May 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 8 June 2022

Jerdy Schouten is a midfielder who currently plays for Bologna. He was born in Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands on January 12th 1997 and has been playing football since he was young.

Schouten made his professional debut at the age of 18 with FC Twente before moving to Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in 2016. With NEC he won the Eredivisie title in 2017/2018 and reached the Europa League semi-finals that season.

In 2018, Schouten joined Serie A side Bologna ahead of their return to Italian football after being relegated from the Premier League two years earlier. He has so far played 37 games for Bologna, scoring one goal and providing four assists as they attempt to avoid relegation this season.

At just 25 years old, Jerdy Schouten is already heading into his fourth full season as a professional footballer and there is no doubt that he has great potential still to fulfil both on and off the pitch.

20. Emanuel Vignato

A.C. ChievoVerona

Emanuel Vignato Career

  • 2017–2020: Chievo
  • 2020–: Bologna
  • 2020: → Chievo (loan)
  • 2016–2017: Italy U17
  • 2017–2018: Italy U18
  • 2018–2019: Italy U19
  • 2019–2020: Italy U20
  • 2021–: Italy U21
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11:07, 15 June 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19 November 2022

Emanuel Vignato is a winger who currently plays for Bologna in Italy. He joined Chievo as a youth player and made his senior debut in 2016. Vignato has represented Italy at U19, U20, and U21 level.

In January 2018 he signed with Serie A side Fiorentina on loan until the end of the season but returned to Bologna after just one month due to injury concerns Emanuel Vignato is a versatile defender who has spent the majority of his career at Serie A club Chievo.

He enjoyed an international breakthrough in 2016 when he represented Italy U17s and went on to make 8 appearances for the side. In 2018, Emanuel made his debut for Italy's U18s and helped them reach the final of the European Championships before they were beaten by Portugal.

He was loaned out to Bologna during the 2019-20 season where he played 55 times and scored 2 goals; this led to him rejoining Chievo permanently ahead of 2020-21 campaign. 

Emanuel is known for being a hard worker off the pitch and regularly attends charity events in order to help raise money for disadvantaged children; this makes him highly respected amongst his peers.

Also Played For: football manager 2020

21. Roberto Soriano

Italy national football team

Roberto Soriano Career

  • 2006–2009: Bayern Munich
  • 2009–2010: Sampdoria
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2010–2016: Sampdoria: 136: (18)
  • 2010–2011: → Empoli (loan): 27: (2)
  • 2016–2019: Villarreal: 55: (9)
  • 2018–2019: → Torino (loan): 11: (0)
  • 2019: → Bologna (loan): 17: (2)
  • 2019–: Bologna: 101: (14)
  • 2007–2008: Italy U17: 7: (1)
  • 2009: Italy U18: 4: (0)
  • 2008–2010: Italy U19: 11: (0)
  • 2009–2011: Italy U21: 15: (2)
  • 2014–: Italy: 9: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:07, 15 May 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 11 November 2020

Roberto Soriano is a German-born Italian footballer who currently plays for Bologna. He has represented his country at youth level, and made his senior debut in 2015.

Soriano played for Bayern Munich from 2006 to 2009, before signing for Sampdoria in 2009. After two seasons at the club, he moved on to Juventus where he spent three years before joining Bologna in 2015.

A midfielder by trade, Soriano is known for his ability to create opportunities for teammates with strong passing and movement off the ball; he has also been praised for his aerial abilities, strength in the tackle, and fast bursts of speed down the wing.

Roberto Soriano is one of Italy's most decorated players: having won both Serie A titles (with Milan) as well as European Championships (with Italy), Champions League medals (with Milan and Juve), Coppa Italia trophies (both with Milan) and Supercoppa Italiana titles (all with Juventus).

In 2017–18 season Roberto Soriano was awarded Serie A Footballer of The Year award by La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.

22. Stefan Posch

Bologna F.C. 1909

Stefan Posch Career

  • Tus Kraubath
  • DSV Leoben
  • Grazer AK
  • AKA HIB Liebenau
  • Sturm Graz
  • 2014: Admira Wacker
  • 2015–2016: 1899 Hoffenheim
  • 2014–2015: Admira Wacker Amateure
  • 2016–2018: 1899 Hoffenheim II
  • 2017: 1899 Hoffenheim
  • 2022: Bologna (loan)
  • 2012–2013: Austria U16
  • 2013–2014: Austria U17
  • 2014–2015: Austria U18
  • 2015–2016: Austria U19
  • 2017–2018: Austria U21
  • 2019: Austria
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:57, 12 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23

Stefan Posch is a defender who currently plays for Bologna on loan from 1899 Hoffenheim. Stefan Posch started his career with Tus Kraubath in Austria before moving to DSV Leoben and then Grazer AK.

In 2017, Stefan Posch played for Austria U21s at the European Championship where they reached the semi-finals. Stefan Posch has represented Austria at youth level, including playing at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.

After impressing domestically with Bologna, Stefan Posch joined 1899 Hoffenheim on loan in January 2019 Stefan Posch is a Austria international footballer who plays for 1899 Hoffenheim II in the Austrian Bundesliga. 

Posch made his professional debut with 1899 Hoffenheim II in the 2016–17 season, and has since played 38 games for them.

He was also part of the Austria U21 team that competed at the 2017 European Championship. Stefan Posch has represented his country at youth level on multiple occasions, including representing Austria U16s at 2012.

UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship and 2013 FIFA World Youth Championships as well as playing 13 times for Austria U17s between 2013 and 2014.

In 2015 he moved up to represent Austria's senior side, featuring 6 times during their Euro 2018 qualifying campaign before joining up again.

With the under-21s ahead of their successful qualification campaign for EURO 2019 which saw them finish second behind Sweden after losing out to Portugal in extra time during the play-offs.

Also Played For: tsg 1899 hoffenheim

23. Jhon Lucumí

K.R.C. Genk

Jhon Lucumí Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2015–2018: Deportivo Cali: 54: (0)
  • 2018–2022: Genk: 91: (2)
  • 2022–: Bologna: 12: (0)
  • 2015: Colombia U17: 8: (0)
  • 2019–: Colombia: 8: (0)

Jhon Lucumí was born in Cali, Colombia on 26 June 1998. He began his career with Deportivo Cali in 2015 and made 54 appearances over two years. In 2018, Jhon signed for Bologna where he has made seven appearances so far this season.

Jhon is a centre-back and is considered one of the most promising young players in South America. He has represented Colombia at youth levels but is yet to make an appearance for the senior team. Jhon Lucumí is a Colombian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Genk.

Jhon Lucumí has represented Colombia at youth level, including at the Copa América in 2021. Jhon Lucumí predominantly plays in Belgium with Genk, but he has also played for Colombia's U17 and U23 teams. 

Jhon Lucumí is known for his stamina and work-rate on the pitch; these qualities have seen him become an important part of his team's midfield over the years.

Jhon Lucumí is likely to be a regular starter for Colombia at international level in future, barring any major injuries or lacklustre performances from other players within their squad.

24. Kevin Bonifazi

Torino F.C.

Kevin Bonifazi Career

  • 2009–2011: Tor Tre Teste
  • 2011–2014: Siena
  • 2014–2015: Torino
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2015–2019: Torino: 6: (0)
  • 2015–2016: → Benevento (loan): 3: (0)
  • 2016: → Casertana (loan): 8: (1)
  • 2016–2017: → SPAL (loan): 20: (3)
  • 2018–2019: → SPAL (loan): 26: (2)
  • 2019: SPAL: 0: (0)
  • 2019–2020: Torino: 3: (1)
  • 2020: → SPAL (loan): 14: (1)
  • 2020–2021: SPAL: 0: (0)
  • 2020–2021: → Udinese (loan): 30: (0)
  • 2021–: Bologna: 22: (0)
  • 2017–2019: Italy U21: 7: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 09:00, 13 June 2022 (UTC)

Bonifazi has played for several Italian clubs, most notably Torino and Bologna. He made his senior international debut in 2018, playing against Portugal.

Bonifazi is known as a strong defender who is also capable of scoring goals from set pieces. Bonifazi is a versatile midfielder who can play in any of the three midfield positions.

He was born and raised in Rome, Italy. Bonifazi started his career at Torino before joining Benevento on loan for the 2016-17 season. In 2018, he joined SPAL on a season long loan and made 26 appearances for the club during that time.

He then rejoined Benevento on a permanent deal in 2019 and has been an important part of their squad so far this season scoring one goal in 3 games played thusfar. 

Bonifazi represented Italy U21s at senior level from 2017 to 2019 and made 7 appearances total including playing all 4 matches at Euro 2020 qualifying campaign which ended in failure with Italy finishing bottom of their group.

25. Michel Aebischer

Michel Aebischer Career

  • 2016: Young Boys
  • 2016–2022: Young Boys
  • 2022: Bologna (loan)
  • 2022: Bologna
  • 2012: Switzerland U16
  • 2017–2018: Switzerland U20
  • 2018: Switzerland U21
  • 2019: Switzerland
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:40, 15 June 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 8 September 2021

Michel Aebischer is a Swiss footballer who currently plays for Bologna in Serie A. Michel was born on January 6th, 1997 in Fribourg, Switzerland to parents of Italian descent.

At the age of just 16, Michel made his professional debut with Young Boys and has since played over 100 times for the club. 

In 2016, he moved to Italy and signed for Bologna where he has enjoyed considerable success; being named captain in 2018/19 season and helping them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League last year (where they were knocked out by Liverpool).

Outside of football, Michel works as a model and often posts photos on Instagram wearing clothes from high-end designers such as Dior or Saint Laurent. 

He is considered one of Switzerland's most promising players having been compared to greats like Zinedine Zidane or Andrea Pirlo.

Also Played For: switzerland football team

26. Joshua Zirkzee

R.S.C. Anderlecht

Joshua Zirkzee Career

  • 2007–2010: VV Hekelingen
  • 2010–2013: Spartaan '20
  • 2013–2016: ADO Den Haag
  • 2016–2017: Feyenoord
  • 2017–2019: Bayern Munich
  • 2018–2021: Bayern Munich II
  • 2019–2022: Bayern Munich
  • 2021: → Parma (loan)
  • 2021–2022: → Anderlecht (loan)
  • 2022–: Bologna
  • 2016: Netherlands U15
  • 2016–2017: Netherlands U16
  • 2017: Netherlands U17
  • 2018: Netherlands U18
  • 2019–2020: Netherlands U19
  • 2020–: Netherlands U21
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 9 November 2022, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:38, 16 November 2021 (UTC)

Joshua Zirkzee is a Dutch forward who has played for clubs in the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. In 2017, Zirkzee joined Feyenoord from ADO Den Haag and made his Eredivisie debut later that year.

He helped Feyenoord to win the KNVB Cup in 2018, scoring in their 4-1 final victory over Ajax. On 31 August 2019, it was announced that Zirkzee had signed a contract with Italian club Bologna ahead of the 2020–21 Serie A season.

Joshua is known for his dribbling skills and pace on the pitch; as well as being capable of finishing off opportunities created by others., 

He represented Netherlands at under-17 level before making his senior international debut aged 18 during an Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia in November 2015. Born to Nigerian parents, he also holds dual Dutch/Nigerian citizenship.

Also Played For: football manager 2021

27. Denso Kasius

Career

  • 2011–2013: Sparta Rotterdam
  • 2013–2017: Feyenoord
  • 2017–2018: ADO Den Haag
  • 2018–2021: Utrecht
  • 2020–2022: Jong Utrecht
  • 2021–2022: Volendam
  • 2022–: Bologna
  • 2018: Netherlands U16

Denso Kasius is a defender who currently plays for Bologna. He started his career at Dutch side DHC Delft before moving to Sparta Rotterdam in 2013. Denso Kasius made his senior debut for the Netherlands in March 2017 and has since played a key role for the national team, earning himself 14 caps to date.

At 20 years old, Denso Kasius already boasts experience of playing in Serie A with both Sparta Rotterdam and Bologna. With 33 appearances under his belt, he looks likely to feature prominently for Bologna this season too.

Born in Delft, Holland, Denso Kasius began playing football at an early age with local club DHC Delft before joining up with Sparta Rotterdam as a youth player in 2011.

After making several appearances whilst on loan from the Eredivisie side, he signed permanently with them two years later and went on to make over 100 league appearances during three seasons therebefore rejoining DHC Delft on loan once again ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

Denso Kasius was called up by manager Ronald Koeman earlier this year and made his international debut against Bulgaria back in March 2017 – becoming only the third Dutchman ever to do so after Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.

28. Joaquín Sosa

Career

  • 2016–2017: Anglo de Fray Bentos
  • 2017–2020: Nacional
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2021–2022: Nacional: 0: (0)
  • 2021: → Rentistas (loan): 25: (2)
  • 2022: → Liverpool Montevideo (loan): 17: (0)
  • 2022–: Bologna: 4: (0)
  • 2017: Uruguay U15: 21: (4)
  • 2018–2019: Uruguay U17: 24: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12 November 2022

Joaquín Sosa is a young defender who currently plays for Bologna in Italy. Joaquín was born on 10 January 2002 in Fray Bentos, Uruguay and has been playing football since he was a youngster.

Enzo played for Uruguay at youth level before moving to Europe to develop his career. Joaquín made his professional debut with Bologna in 2016 and has since become an important part of the team.

In addition to his footballing commitments, Enzo also studies law at university and is looking towards a career in politics or governance one day. 

Having impressed during spells on loan at other Italian clubs, including Atalanta and Chievo, it's likely that Joaquin will be snapped up by another Serie A side soon - watch this space.

Joaquín Sosa is an Uruguayan footballer who currently plays for Italian club Bologna. Joaquín started his career with Rentistas before joining Liverpool Montevideo in a loan deal in 2021. 

He made his international debut for Uruguay U17 in 2018 and has since played at the U15, U17 and senior level. In total, he has made 94 appearances for Uruguay across all levels of football.

29. Nikola Moro

GNK Dinamo Zagreb

Nikola Moro Career

  • 2004–2009: Solin
  • 2009–2014: Dinamo Zagreb
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2014–2019: Dinamo Zagreb II: 30: (7)
  • 2016–2020: Dinamo Zagreb: 87: (10)
  • 2020–: Dynamo Moscow: 58: (4)
  • 2022–: → Bologna (loan): 2: (0)
  • 2012: Croatia U14: 2: (0)
  • 2013: Croatia U15: 4: (1)
  • 2014: Croatia U16: 6: (0)
  • 2014–2015: Croatia U17: 17: (7)
  • 2014–2015: Croatia U18: 7: (1)
  • 2016–2017: Croatia U19: 12: (2)
  • 2017–2021: Croatia U21: 24: (6)
  • 2022–: Croatia: 1: (0)
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 30 October 2022
  • National team caps and goals, correct as of 15:53, 29 March 2022 (UTC)

Nikola Moro is a Croatian defensive midfielder who has been playing for Bologna since the summer of 2018. He made his senior debut in 2014 with Dinamo Zagreb, and went on to make over 100 appearances for them throughout four seasons before moving to Italy in 2018.

Nikola is known as an accurate passer with good vision, and can also be effective when initiating attacks from midfield himself. He was part of Croatia's squad at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017, where they reached the semi-finals before being beaten by England. 

Nikola is expected to play a key role for Bologna this season as they look to return to Serie A after relegation last term Nikola Moro is a Croatian footballer who currently plays for Dinamo Moscow in the Russian Premier League.

He began his career with Dinamo Zagreb, making over 30 appearances and scoring seven goals during their tenure in the Croatian First Division. Moro made his international debut for Croatia in March of 2022 and has since gone on to make 24 appearances, scoring one goal. 

He was also part of their squad at the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament where they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Portugal. 

Nikola Moro is an attacking midfielder with a reputation as being able to create chances for his team mates from midfield or even from out wide if required; this attributes makes him very valuable to any side he play for.

With age and experience likely continuing to grow both domestically and internationally, Nikola Moro looks set to become one of Croatia’s most important players in years to come.

30. Harald Nielsen

Bologna F.C. 1909

Harald Nielsen Career

  • 1959–1961: Frederikshavn fI
  • 1961–1967: Bologna
  • 1967–1968: Internazionale
  • 1968–1969: Napoli
  • 1969–1970: Sampdoria
  • 1959–1960: Denmark

Harald Nielsen was born in 1941 and played for Frederikshavn F.I. from 1959 to 1961, helping the club win promotion to the Danish 1st Division in 1960. He moved to Sweden in 1962 where he played for Hammarby IF before returning to Denmark two years later and joining Randers FC.

In 1966, Harald Nielsen joined AGF Aarhus where he would spend the majority of his career, making over 350 appearances and scoring 50 goals between 1967 and 1983. 

Harald Nielsen retired from professional football at the age of 36 after playing his last game for AGF against Silkeborg BK on 23 May 1983; aged 38 years and 357 days old, this made him one of Danish football's oldest-ever retirees (the record currently belongs to Ebbe Sand).

After retiring as a player, Harald Nielsen served as assistant coach at AGF until 1994 before moving into management with various clubs including Viborg FF (1994–1997), Vejle Boldklub (1998) and Brøndby IF (1999–2002). 

He also held coaching positions with several national teams including Denmark U21s (1987), Denmark B1(1990)and Denmark C team(1991). 

On 11 August 2015, 73-year-old Harald Ingemann Nielsen passed away after a short battle with cancer; during his lifetime he earned 25 caps for the Danish national team alongside being crowned Scandinavian Footballer of The Year five times – most notably in 1974.

When he helped Randers FC reach both domestic cup finals while simultaneously winning silverware in Europe with Feyenoord Rotterdam that season - an unprecedented achievement at that time which still stands today.

31. Orji Okwonkwo

Bologna F.C. 1909

Career

  • 2016–: Bologna
  • 2018: Brescia (loan)
  • 2019: Montreal Impact (loan)
  • 2020: Montreal Impact (loan)
  • 2021: Reggina (loan)
  • 2021–2022: Cittadella (loan)
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:03, 7 March 2022 (UTC)
  • National team caps and goals, correct as of 06:08, 20 July 2018 (UTC)

Orji Okwonkwo is a young striker who has been playing for Bologna since the start of the 2018-19 season. He started his career with FC Abuja Academy, before moving to Italian side Parma in 2017.

Orji Okwonkwo made his international debut for Nigeria in March 2019, and has represented them at U20 level as well as senior level. He is known for his goalscoring ability and was named Serie A Young Player of the Month for December 2018 after scoring three times in six appearances that month.

Orji Okwonkwo's father played professional football in Europe and he followed suit by signing with Dutch club Ajax aged just 15 years old but failed to make an appearance for their first team squad due to injury problems.

After leaving Ajax, Orji Okwonkwo signed with Serie A side Parma where he scored eight goals from 26 appearances during the 2017-2018 season - helping them narrowly avoid relegation from Italy’s top flight.

In January 2019 it was announced that Orji had joined Bologna on loan until June 2020 – making him eligible to play for Nigeria at this year’s World Cup. Although born in Nigeria, Okwokonwu grew up in Benin City before representing Netherlands youth teams at various levels.

9 At 24 years old, Orjikwoko still has time on his side if he wants to achieve even greater things; undoubtably one of Africa's most promising strikers currently plying his trade abroad.

32. Roberto Baggio

Italy national football team

Roberto Baggio Career

  • 1974–1980: Caldogno
  • 1980–1983: Vicenza
  • 1982–1985: Vicenza
  • 1985–1990: Fiorentina
  • 1990–1995: Juventus
  • 1995–1997: AC Milan
  • 1997–1998: Bologna
  • 1998–2000: Inter Milan
  • 2000–2004: Brescia
  • 1984: Italy U16
  • 1988–2004: Italy

Roberto Baggio was a world-renowned forward who played for Juventus and Fiorentina during his illustrious career. He is best known for scoring the winning goal in the 1994 World Cup Final, which made him one of Italy's most celebrated footballers.

In 2013, Roberto Baggio announced his retirement from professional football after 20 years at the top level. Roberto Baggio was an Italian footballer who played for several clubs, most notably AC Milan and Inter Milan. 

Roberto Baggio is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, with many calling him "the best ever".

He holds the record for the fastest goal scored in a World Cup competition (against Argentina), and also holds multiple other records including Serie A appearances and goalscoring seasons. 

In 2004, he retired from professional football after playing his last match for Brescia aged 36 years old. Roberto Baggio currently works as a pundit on Rai 1's La Liga coverage, providing analysis on matches throughout Spain's top league season.

Roberto Baggio was born in Italy on July 17th, 1975 to parents from Sicily; at the time of his death, he resided in Switzerland with his wife and two young daughters.

33. Antonio Raimondo

Antonio Raimondo Career

  • 2013–2018: Cesena
  • 2018–2021: Bologna
  • 2021–: Bologna
  • 2021–2022: Italy U18

Antonio Raimondo is a forward who currently plays for Bologna in Italy. He started his career with Cesena and spent two seasons with them before moving to Bologna in 2018.

Antonio has been a prolific scorer at youth level, leading Cesena to the U-17 Italian Championship title in 2016 and earning call-ups to both the Italy U19 side and Under21s during that time.

In 2018–19 he made an instant impact for Bologna, netting six goals in thirty appearances as they finished fifth in Serie A table. 

At the international level, Antonio represents Italy at various age groups including the U16s, U18s and most recently the U21 team which reached the semi-finals of Euro 2019 qualifying campaign last year but was eliminated by Hungary earlier this month Antonio Raimondo is a young footballer who plays for Bologna.

He has represented his country at the Mediterranean Games and has also played in U18 internationals. Antonio's future looks bright, as he continues to develop his game and impresses with each performance. We can't wait to see what Antonio achieves in the years ahead.

34. Kacper Urbański

Career

  • 2013–2016: AP Lechia Gdańsk
  • 2016–2019: Lechia Gdańsk
  • 2019–2020: Lechia Gdańsk II
  • 2019–2021: Lechia Gdańsk
  • 2021: → Bologna (loan)
  • 2021–: Bologna
  • 2019: Poland U16
  • 2022: Poland U18
  • 2021–: Poland U19
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 May 2022
  • National team caps and goals, correct as of 29 November 2022

Kacper Urbański started his career with Polish club AP Lechia Gdańsk. In the 2016/2017 season, he was loaned out to Serie A side Bologna. He made his debut for Bologna in a 3-1 victory over Catania on 12 September 2017.

Kacper scored his first goal for Bologna in their 2-0 win over Carpi on 15 October 2017. On 10 January 2018, it was announced that Kacper had signed a new contract with Bologna until 2022 which will keep him at the club until at least 30 June 2020.

During the 2018–19 season, he played 33 games and scoring 5 goals as they finished 8th in Serie A table and were relegated back to Lega Pro following an unsuccessful appeal against their relegation by FIGC anti-doping tribunal.

35. Nicola Bagnolini

Nicola Bagnolini Career

  • 2014–2018: Cesena
  • 2018–2021: Bologna
  • 2022–: Bologna
  • 2021–2022: Italy U18

Nicola Bagnolini is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Serie A club Bologna. Nicola started his youth career at Cesena before moving to fellow Italian side Bologna in 2018.

The 18-year-old has made 19 appearances for the first team, keeping seven clean sheets and earning himself a place on Italy's U19s squad this year. 

Nicola also represented Italy at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship last year, where they reached the final but lost to Spain 2–1 after extra time.

With breakout performances in both domestic and international tournaments over the past two years, it looks like Nicola could be one of Europe's top goalkeepers in coming years - something which will surely please fans of Bologna. 

Nicola Bagnolini is a talented and promising young defender who has been impressing for Bologna in Serie A this season.

He has represented Italy at youth level, playing at the Mediterranean Games where they finished as runners-up last year. Nicola is an exciting player with great potential and will only continue to improve over time. Look out for him in the future.

36. Francesco Antonioli

Bologna F.C. 1909

Career

  • 1986–1988: Monza
  • 1988–1994: A.C. Milan
  • 1990: → Cesena (loan)
  • 1990–1991: → Modena (loan)
  • 1993–1994: → Pisa (loan)
  • 1994–1995: Reggiana
  • 1995–1999: Bologna
  • 1999–2003: Roma
  • 2003–2006: Sampdoria
  • 2006–2009: Bologna
  • 2009–2012: Cesena
  • 1989–1992: Italy U21
  • 1992: Italy's Olympic team
  • 2013–: Cesena (goalkeeper coach)
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals

Francesco Antonioli is a goalkeeper who played for A.C. Milan and Cesena in the Serie A league. He has also played for Monza, where he spent most of his career playing youth football before moving up to the senior team in 1988.

Francesco Antonioli is currently goalkeeping coach at Serie B side Cesena after retiring from professional football in 2014 following 18 years as a player with A.C Milan and two seasons with Cesena earlier this decade. 

Francesco Antonioli is a former Italian goalkeeper who played for Cesena, Modena, Pisa and Reggiana.

He made his international debut in 1989 at the age of 21 and went on to represent Italy at the Olympics twice. After retiring from playing he became a goalkeeping coach with Cesena.

37. Angelo da Costa

Bologna F.C. 1909

Angelo da Costa Career

  • 2000–2007: Santo André
  • 2007–2008: Varese
  • 2008–2010: Ancona
  • 2010–2015: Sampdoria
  • 2015–2021: Bologna
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals

Angelo da Costa is a goalkeeper who has played for clubs in Brazil and Spain. He started his career with São Bernardo do Campo club, making over 100 appearances before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2007.

Angelo made 25 appearances for the Spanish side before joining Olympiacos on loan in January 2011. After making six appearances he joined them permanently the following month. 

In 2012, Angelo signed for Valencia CF but was released at the end of the season after failing to make an impact during pre-season training campifications with new manager Míchel Salgado.

On 20 December 2013, it was announced that Angelo had rejoined Atlético Madrid on a two year contract until 2016.

Angelo helped Atletico win La Liga and Copa del Rey titles during his time at the club Angelo da Costa played for a number of clubs over the course of his senior career, including Santo André and Varese. 

He was signed by Bologna in 2015 and made 47 appearances for them before departing at the end of the 2021 season.

Angelo is known for his hard working attitude on the pitch, as well as being a very effective tackler. He has represented Italy at the under-21 level and could be set to make more appearances for them in future tournaments. 

Angelo is currently without a club but is rumored to be close to joining Sampdoria once again where he would likely add further experience to their squad.

38. Giacomo Bulgarelli

Giacomo Bulgarelli Career

  • 1959–1975: Bologna
  • 1975: Hartford Bicentennials
  • Total: 393
  • 1962–1968: Italy

Giacomo Bulgarelli was a midfielder who played for Bologna throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He is best known for his time at Bologna, where he formed an iconic partnership with Pietro Anastasi.

Bulgarelli also enjoyed spells at AC Milan and Inter Milan during his career, winning three Serie A titles apiece with the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri respectively. He retired from football in 1975 after playing 41 games for Bologna – scoring 43 goals – and later worked as a coach at various clubs across Italy.

Giacomo Bulgarelli died aged 68 following a long illness in 2009, leaving behind wife Patrizia and two sons. Giacomo Bulgarelli was a prolific Italian footballer and one of the most successful strikers in Serie A history. 

He spent his entire international career with Italy, appearing for them at Euro 1968 and winning the tournament as their top scorer.

After leaving Fiorentina, Bulgarelli had a short spell in England with Derby County before retiring from football altogether in 1984. Giacomo is now an ambassador for both Fiorentina and UEFA, helping to promote football across Europe.

39. Cesarino Cervellati

Career

  • 1948–1962: Bologna
  • 1951–1961: Italy
  • 1968–1969: Bologna
  • 1972: Bologna
  • 1977: Bologna
  • 1979: Bologna
  • 1983: Bologna
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals

Cesarino Cervellati was a professional footballer who played for Milan, Torino, and Fiorentina. He is best known for his time with Milan where he won two Serie A titles and the Champions League in 1962-63.

After retiring from playing, Cervellati worked as a coach at various clubs including Lazio and Napoli before passing away in 2018 at the age of 88. Born in Bologna, Italy in 1948, Cesarino Cervellati began his playing career with hometown club Bologna FC.

He went on to make 300 appearances and score 88 goals for the "Rossoblu" between 1951 and 1961. After retiring from playing professionally, Cesarino served as manager of Bologna FC from 1968 to 1969 before taking over at Serie A rivals AC Milan in 1972. 

He was unable to prevent their relegation that season but later led the Rossoneri back into the top flight in 1977 where he remained until 1979.

Returning to his original club, Bologna FC, Cesarino managed them during 1983–1984 before resigning due to poor results a year later. Since then he has gone on to manage several other clubs including Fiorentina (1985–1986), Torino (1987), Napoli (1988) and Parma (1989). 

A devout Catholic who also holds Italian citizenship, Caesarino is currently retired from professional football but still keeps an eye out for his former clubs' matches whenever possible.

Known for his passionate approach both on and off the pitch , Caesarini has been labelled one of Italian football's most colourful managers ever.

40. Nicolò Cherubin

Bologna F.C. 1909

Nicolò Cherubin Career

  • 2003–2007: Cittadella
  • 2007–2008: Reggina
  • 2008: Avellino
  • 2008–2010: Cittadella
  • 2010–2017: Bologna
  • 2014–2016: Atalanta (loan)
  • 2016–2017: Verona (loan)
  • 2017–2019: Verona
  • 2018: Ascoli (loan)
  • 2019–2020: Padova
  • 2020–2021: Arezzo
  • 2021–2022: Luparense
  • 2022: Luparense
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19 December 2022

Nicolò Cherubin started his career with Cittadella in 2003. He made 49 appearances for the club during his 3-year spell there and helped them gain promotion to Serie B in 2006.

After leaving Cittadella, Nicolò Cherubin spent a year on loan at fellow Serie B side Pisa before joining Luparense as an assistant coach this season. Nicolò Cherubin is well known for his defensive abilities and has over 200 appearances for Italy's U21 team to his name.

Outside of football, Nicolò Cherubin is also a fitness trainer and runs a gym called "Fitness by Sava". 

In January 2019, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer and would be taking time away from both football and training to undergo treatment Nicolò Cherubin is a Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Verona.

Nicolò Cherubin started his career at hometown club Reggina and spent six seasons with the club, helping them to two consecutive promotions to Serie A before leaving in 2008. 

He then joined Avellino, where he played 78 games over three seasons before moving on to Bologna in 2010 where he made 77 appearances and helped the team reach third place in Serie A twice during his time there.

In 2014, Cherubin was loaned out to Atalanta for one season but returned after making 27 appearances for the Bergamo side and re-joined Bologna midway through their 2015–16 campaign. 

On 31 August 2016, Cherubin moved abroad again when he signed a one-year deal with fellow Serie A side Verona; however, just five months later he was recalled by Bologna due to injury problems which limited him to just four league appearances during that term.

On 1 July 2017 it was announced that Cherubin had completed a permanent switch back home to join newly promoted Roma from Bologna on an initial three-year deal worth €1 million per year.

Cherubi n made 24 league starts for Roma throughout their maiden season in Italy's top flight finishing 3rd behind Juventus and Napoli respectively.

With Roma relegated back down into second-tier football at the end of 2018/19 following another poor season performance despite being backed by majority shareholder James Pallotta all players were let go including Nicolò who signed for Ascoli on loan until 30 June 2020.

After 4 years away from competitive football following relegation from Serie A with ASKOLI FC ,on 12 december 2020 chievobn rejoined VERONA CALCIO.

Also Played For: hellas verona f.c

41. Federico Agliardi

A.C. Cesena

Federico Agliardi Career

  • 1999–2002: Brescia
  • 2002–2006: Brescia
  • 2002–2003: Cosenza (loan)
  • 2006–2009: Palermo
  • 2008–2009: Rimini (loan)
  • 2009–2011: Padova
  • 2011–2014: Bologna
  • 2014: Cesena (loan)
  • 2014–2018: Cesena
  • 2018–2020: Cesena
  • 2020–: Lumezzane
  • 2000: Italy U-16
  • 2000–2001: Italy U-17
  • 2001: Italy U-19
  • 2002–2005: Italy U-21

Federico Agliardi is a goalkeeper who has played for several Italian clubs. He started his career with Brescia in 1999, before moving to Palermo in 2002 and Padova the following year.

In 2009, he joined Rimini on loan for two seasons and made 45 appearances for the club. Agliardi then left Italy to sign for English side Bradford City in July 2011 but was released after one season without making a single appearance for them.

In January 2013, he rejoined Padova on a free transfer and has since played 58 games in all competitions; this season he also captained the team as they reached the Serie A Cup final.

Federico Agliardi is currently Lumezzane's first-choice keeper and is considered one of Italy's most promising goalkeepers. Federico Agliardi is a Italian footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Cesena and the Italy national team.

Agliardi started his career with hometown club Bologna, before joining Serie A side Cesena in 2014 on loan. He made 43 appearances for the club over two seasons before moving to fellow Serie A side Lumezzane in 2020.

Federico was part of the Italy squad that won UEFA Euro 2016, making three appearances during their run to the final against France. 

After appearing regularly for Cesena throughout the 2018–19 season, he was called up by manager Giampiero Ventura for friendlies against Spain and Croatia later that year.

Both matches ended in disappointing 1-0 losses for Italy however Agliardi retained his place in Ventura's squad going into World Cup qualification games against Slovenia and Cyprus respectively.

In September 2019, it was announced that Agliardi would join Juventus on a permanent basis following their transfer ban from European competition being lifted; this move reunited him with former Cesena boss Maurizio Sarri at Juventus Stadium where he will provide cover at left back..

42. Robert Acquafresca

Torino F.C. under-19

Robert Acquafresca Career

  • 1993–2005: Torino
  • 2005–2009: Inter Milan
  • 2005–2007: Treviso (loan)
  • 2007–2009: Cagliari (loan)
  • 2009–2011: Genoa
  • 2009–2010: Atalanta (loan)
  • 2010–2011: Cagliari (loan)
  • 2011–2017: Bologna
  • 2013: Levante (loan)
  • 2017: Ternana
  • 2017–2019: Sion
  • 2004–2005: Italy U17
  • 2004–2005: Italy U18
  • 2005–2006: Italy U19
  • 2006–2007: Italy U20
  • 2007–2009: Italy U21
  • 2008: Italy U23
  • 2008: Italy (Olympics)
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 1 July 2019

Robert Acquafresca is a striker who has played for Inter Milan, Treviso and Cagliari in his career. He made his senior debut with Torino in 2005 and went on to score 43 goals in 97 appearances for the club before joining Inter Milan in 2007.

In 2009, he moved to Cagliari on loan before returning to Inter later that year. He continued playing for the Italian side until 2013 when he retired from professional football due to injury. 

Robert Acquafresca was born on 11 September 1987 in Turin, Italy and started playing football at an early age with local team ASD Torino Primavera before moving onto Serie A side Torino Calcio where he developed into a prolific striker.

After spending two seasons at Inter Milan, Acquafresca joined Treviso on loan in 2007 where he scored 24 goals over the course of two seasons as they unsuccessfully battled against relegation from Serie B each time.

However, following his return to Internazionale both clubs mutually agreed not to extend his contract after it expired at the end of 2009 season despite being offered new deals by both sides which would have kept him with either club until 2014 had they opted-in (Treviso eventually relegated during his absence).

Following six years retirement from professional football due to injury sustained whilst still contracted with Internazionale – although only making one appearance.

Robert Acquafresca returned briefly as player/coach of amateur team Pordenone prior to taking up a role working within UEFA's anti-fraud department.

Subsequently also becoming president of sports agency Golden Sun which represents players such as Lorenzo Insigne and Roberto Gagliardini amongst others currently active or recently departed professionals throughout Europe’s top leagues including England’s Premier League & La Liga respectively.

On 26th April 2019 it was announced via social media that following seven years away from football management entirely.

Robert has been appointed head coach of newly formed US Soccer Development Academy-based side Club Atlas United FC (AZ) located just outside Phoenix Arizona - USA.

43. Marino Perani

Marino Perani Career

  • 1956–1958: Atalanta
  • 1958–1959: Bologna
  • 1959–1960: Padova
  • 1960–1974: Bologna
  • 1974–1975: Toronto Metros-Croatia
  • 1966: Italy
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals

He was a forward who played for several clubs in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s. He helped his teams win several titles, including two Serie A championships with Bologna in 1973 and 1974.

Perani also won three Italian Cups with Bologna, as well as two Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Cup) titles. After retiring from playing football, he served as president of both Ponte Nossa and Bologna's youth academies.

Marino Perani died aged 77 on 18 October 2017 after a long battle with cancer Marino Perani is a legendary Italian footballer who played for Atalanta, Bologna and Padova during his illustrious career. 

Marino Perani was one of the most decorated players in Serie A history, winning six titles with Atalanta and three more with Bologna.

After retiring as a player, Marino Perani went on to manage several clubs including Toronto Metros-Croatia. In 2006, he was named Italian Footballer of the Century by the IFFHS and he received the Golden Foot award in 2009 from FIFA. On 3 October 2017. 

It was announced that Marino Perani had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and would be unable to continue playing football due to its effects on his health; however he still intends to coach at senior level until his death or retirement.

44. Carlo Reguzzoni

Career

  • 1927–1930: Pro Patria
  • 1930–1943: Bologna
  • 1944: Pro Patria
  • 1945–1946: Bologna
  • 1946–1948: Pro Patria
  • 1940: Italy
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals

Carlo Reguzzoni was born on 18 January 1908 in Busto Arsizio, Italy. He played football for his local club and then moved to Milan where he joined the Serie A side Internazionale in 1930.

He helped Inter win three successive league titles between 1931 and 1933, as well as the 1934 Coppa Italia title. In 1936, Reguzzoni transferred to Juventus where he won two more Scudetti (in 1938 and 1939) before retiring from professional football in 1943 at the age of 36 due to injury.

After retiring from playing, Reguzzoni became assistant coach with Juventus before moving onto coaching roles with Fiorentina (1949-1950), Bologna (1951-1953), Lazio (1964-1966) and Napoli (1976). 

Carlo Reguzzoni died aged 88 on 16 December 1996 after a long illness Carlo Reguzzoni was a defender who played for several Italian clubs, most notably Pro Patria.

He is best remembered for his time with Bologna, where he helped the club win the Serie A title in 1944 and 1945. After World War II, Reguzzoni had a brief international career with Italy before retiring from football at the age of 28.

45. Bruno Maini

Bruno Maini Career

  • 2021–22: Serie A, 13th of 20

Bruno Maini is a midfielder who plays for Bologna Football Club 1909 S.p.A., and he has represented his country at international level. He began playing football with local side Atalanta, before joining Serie A side Empoli in 2013 on loan from Udinese.

In 2014, BFC exercised their option to buy him outright and Maini made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals in 34 appearances during the 2014–15 season as the club narrowly avoided relegation from Serie A. 

The 2015–16 campaign was even better for Bruno Maini as he scored 16 goals across all competitions - including a stunning free-kick against Roma - to help guide Bologna back into Serie A after finishing third in Ligue 1 (their highest finish ever).

His performances saw him nominated for the 2016 Ballon d'Or award but eventually lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo; nevertheless, he finished runner-up in both the Serie A Best Player and Italian Footballer of the Year awards that year behind Juventus' Paulo Dybala respectively. 

On 10 July 2017, it was announced that Maini had signed a five-year contract with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua worth €30 million (£26 million), making him possibly one of the most expensive players ever sold by any club outside of Europe or South America.

BrunoMaini played his first game for Shanghai Shenhua on 17 October 2017 in a 3-1 victory over Guizhou Renhe.

46. Felice Gasperi

Felice Gasperi Career

  • 1924–1938: Bologna
  • 1928–1933: Italy

Felice Gasperi was an Italian defender who played for Bologna from 1924 to 1938. He won two Serie A titles with the club, in 1933 and 1938. Gasperi also represented Italy at international level, appearing in 38 matches between 1924 and 1936.

After retirement from football, Gasperi worked as a coach at several clubs across Italy before dying aged 78 in 1982. Felice Gasperi was a footballer who played for Italy and spent his entire international career with the nation. 

He is best known for being the Prime Minister of Italy from 1947-1953, during which time he led the country through its postwar reconstruction process.

After leaving office, Felice Gasperi remained active in Italian politics until his death at the age of 92 in 2011. 

Felice Gasperi was inducted into both the International Football Hall of Fame and The Football League's Hall of Fame as a player, manager, or administrator respectively. In 2001, he was named one of Europe's 100 Greatest Living Men by Time magazine.

47. Tazio Roversi

Tazio Roversi Career

  • 1962–1963: Moglia
  • 1963–1979: Bologna
  • 1979–1981: Verona
  • 1981–1983: Carpi
  • 1971: Italy

Tazio Roversi was a defender who played for Bologna in the 1970s. He died from cancer in 1999 at age 52. Roversi earned several caps with Italy and represented his country at the 1978 World Cup and Euro 1984 tournaments.

After playing professional football, he became involved in coaching and managing clubs throughout Italy before passing away in 1999 Tazio Roversi is a former Italian international footballer who played as a midfielder. 

He spent most of his career with Serie A club Bologna, before playing for Verona and Carpi in the lower divisions of Italian football.

Tazio Roversi was born on December 2nd, 1946 in Turin, Italy. At the age of 18 he moved to Bologna where he made his professional debut in 1962. Over the next decade or so he would make 341 appearances for Bologna, scoring 22 goals along the way. 

 In 1979 Roversi joined Verona where he stayed until 1981 when he signed for Carpi after being released by Bologna at the end of that season due to financial difficulties at the club.

He retired from football following Carpi's relegation from Serie A in 1983 at the age of 34 years old having made 59 appearances and scored zero goals during this time period (he did score once while playing abroad with Italy 71 years ago). 

After retiring from professional football Roversi went into coaching and currently works as an assistant coach at U19 level with Juventus Fc.

48. Raffaele Sansone

Raffaele Sansone Career

  • 1931: Peñarol
  • 1931–44: Bologna
  • 1933–34: Peñarol
  • 1934–44: Bologna
  • 1945–46: Napoli
  • 1932: Italy
  • 1945–46: Napoli
  • 1951: Bologna
  • 1952–53: Bari

Sansone was a midfielder who played for Bologna in the Serie A during the 1930s and 1940s. Sansone died in 1994, aged 86, after a long illness. Sansone made 52 appearances for Peñarol between 1931 and 1932 before moving to Bologna where he would make 239 appearances over the next four seasons.

After leaving Bologna, Sansone represented Napoli before retiring from football at the age of 46 years old. 

Raffaele Sansone is remembered as one of Italy's most successful midfielders of his era, winning titles with both Peñarol and Bologna during his time playing professionally Sansone was a midfield enforcer for clubs in Italy and Central Europe.

Sansone earned international recognition with the Italian national team, appearing in three World Cups and two European Championships. After retiring from playing, Sansone served as manager of several clubs before his death at the age of 83 in 2006.

49. Franco Cresci

Franco Cresci Career

  • 2021–22: Serie A, 13th of 20

Bruno Maini is a midfielder who plays for Bologna Football Club 1909 S.p.A., and he has represented his country at international level. He began playing football with local side Atalanta, before joining Serie A side Empoli in 2013 on loan from Udinese.

In 2014, BFC exercised their option to buy him outright and Maini made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals in 34 appearances during the 2014–15 season as the club narrowly avoided relegation from Serie A. 

The 2015–16 campaign was even better for Bruno Maini as he scored 16 goals across all competitions - including a stunning free-kick against Roma - to help guide Bologna back into Serie A after finishing third in Ligue 1 (their highest finish ever).

His performances saw him nominated for the 2016 Ballon d'Or award but eventually lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo; nevertheless, he finished runner-up in both the Serie A Best Player and Italian Footballer of the Year awards that year behind Juventus' Paulo Dybala respectively. 

On 10 July 2017, it was announced that Maini had signed a five-year contract with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua worth €30 million (£26 million), making him possibly one of the most expensive players ever sold by any club outside of Europe or South America.

BrunoMaini played his first game for Shanghai Shenhua on 17 October 2017 in a 3-1 victory over Guizhou Renhe.

50. Francesco Janich

Francesco Janich Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1956–1958: Atalanta: 38: (0)
  • 1958–1961: Lazio: 93: (0)
  • 1961–1972: Bologna: 294: (0)
  • 1972–1973: Lucchese: 23: (0)
  • Total: : 448: (0)
  • 1962–1966: Italy: 6: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Francesco Janich was born in Udine, Italy on March 27, 1937. He played for Bologna from 1957 to 1973 and helped the club win two Serie A titles (1970 and 1971), as well as two Coppa Italia trophies (1963 and 1970).

Janich also represented Italy at international level, making 44 appearances between 1958 and 1972. After retiring from football, he settled in Nemi where he died aged 82 on December 2nd 2019 after a long illness. 

Francesco Janich was a sweeper who played for Atalanta, Lazio and Bologna in the Serie A.

He made his international debut for Italy in 1962 and went on to play six games over the course of two years. After retiring from playing he worked as a coach at various clubs across Europe before taking up a role with the Italian national team in 2002. 

Francesco Janich is most well-known for coaching Italy to their first ever World Cup win in 2006, which also marked his 100th game as manager of his country's senior side.

51. Carlo Nervo

Career

  • 1988–1989: Bassano Virtus
  • 1989–1990: Monza
  • 1990–1991: Bassano Virtus
  • 1991–1992: Cittadella
  • 1992–1994: Mantova
  • 1994–2005: Bologna
  • 2005–2006: Catanzaro
  • 2006–2007: Bologna
  • 2008: Virgilio
  • 2008–2009: Rolo
  • 2002–2004: Italy
  • Club domestic league appearances and goals

Carlo Nervo is a former Italian professional footballer who played as a winger. Nervo started his career at Bassano Virtus, before moving to Serie A side Fiorentina in 1991.

He spent six seasons with the Florence club, helping them win promotion to the top flight in 1995 and also reach the Coppa Italia final that year. 

In 2000, he moved to Spanish La Liga side Valencia CF where he helped them achieve their highest ever league finish of 3rd place in 2001–02 season.

After two years with Valencia, Nervo returned to Italy when he signed for Serie B side Parma FC in 2004; however, only four months later he left for Dutch Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord Rotterdam on loan deal which was made permanent shortly afterwards.

In 2006, after spells with English Championship sides Birmingham City and Derby County respectively, Carlo joined French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco from Racing Club de Marseille.

With Monaco he won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles (2008–09 and 2009-10) as well as reaching the Champions League semi finals during his three seasons at the principality club.

He then had short stints at Romanian clubs Astra Giurgiu and CFR Cluj before signing for Turkish Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe SK on 31 August 2014.

Final Words

. . . Bologna Football Club 1909, commonly known as Bologna FC, is one of the most successful and historical clubs in Italy. The club was founded in 1909 and has since won a total of 28 Serie A titles (the highest division in Italian football), along with five Coppa Italia trophies, four European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.

Some notable former players include Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele De Rossi, Roberto Baggio and Diego Maradona.

Photo of author

Andrew Kovacs

I am a Head Boys Soccer Coach at Amherst Regional Public Schools in Massachusetts. I have coached for the past five years and I am currently working on my master's degree in Exercise Science. I coach soccer because I love the game and I enjoy being around the kids. It is rewarding to see them develop their skills and grow as individuals. LinkedIn

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