If you don’t want to hang out here, Will Unwin’s covering Porto against Nottingham Forest.
Quite the line.
The Renato Dall’Ara stadium is a classic example of fascist architecture, marked by the imposing Maratona Tower. Mussolini oversaw the ceremonial opening in 1926; it was his last visit to Bologna, as someone tried to assassinate him in the city later that day.
Aston Villa are getting pretty used to European quarter-finals. This is their third on the bounce: they beat Lille in the Conference League two years ago and fell just short against Paris Saint-Germain, the eventual champions, last April in the Champions League. Now it’s time for the Europa, with a visit to Bologna. Unai Emery is in his element.
Yes, this is where the Spaniard really turns it on; he’s won this trophy four times, more than anyone else. Villa have already beaten Bologna this season and Emery has Youri Tielemans back after two months out with an ankle injury. Things have been a little ropey in the league but they’re fourth and in with a serious shot at a first major trophy in 30 years.
