Palladino on Bologna Task: ‘I Don’t Have a Magic Wand in Three Days’

Raffaele Palladino has been presented at Bologna’s Nicolo Galli training centre, taking over from the dismissed Domenico Tedesco. The team sits at the bottom of the league, with a critical match just three days away.

Palladino expressed gratitude for the club's approach. “They showed me immense belief and didn’t just offer a job, but a project. That’s why I’m here,” he stated. “We must reignite lost enthusiasm. I feel happy, motivated, and ready for this challenge.”

Palladino: ‘They Need a Spark, Mental Before Physical’

He was direct about the limited time for change before Saturday's game. “I can’t work miracles in just three days. However, I’m convinced the players need a jolt, a mental one first, then physical. An immediate shift is necessary.”

Palladino indicated he won’t force a formation change immediately, despite previously favouring a back three. “This team was built for a back four, but it also has the capacity for a back three. It can adapt. We’ll assess this over the season.”

When asked if Riccardo Orsolini and Federico Bernardeschi could play together, he was clear. “Orsolini and Bernardeschi are a formidable duo. I’ll always select quality players; the more we have, the better. My view is that attackers must be the first line of defense.”

He thanked his predecessor while acknowledging the work required. “I appreciate Tedesco’s coaching. By altering training methods, we’ll see a change in intensity. The team needs to rebuild its physical condition, and the players are aware of this.”

Bologna’s current standing highlights the urgency. With only one point from four matchdays, scoring just two goals (both against Sassuolo, via Roberto Piccoli and Artem Dovbyk) and conceding five, the club had little choice but to move on from Tedesco.

Palladino, who was considered alongside Stefano Pioli and Thiago Motta for the role, had been unemployed since leaving Atalanta. He mentioned turning down other offers before accepting this position.