Bologna has completed a real metamorphosis under the guidance of RobertoPalladino, who after sacking the German coach brought the team back into form and annihilated the negative start to the season. With a victory against Milan and ten points in the last five SerieA matches, the rossoblù have moved towards the European positions, demonstrating that they have internalized the new playing philosophy.
The change is also evident in the game statistics. Average possession dropped from Tedesco's 55.2% to 39% with Palladino, while the number of successful passes per game decreased from 475 to 275. Despite this reduction, the team has increased their attacking quality: goals scored have risen to ten in the last five games, with an average of two goals every 90 minutes, compared to just two goals in the first four games under Tedesco. Total xG increased from 1.25 to 1.53, as did xG on shots on goal, which went from 1.16 to 1.40 per game. Furthermore, the goal was shared by multiple players: in addition to Piccoli and Dovbyk, Mbangula scored three goals, Bernardeschi two, and Orsolini, Enem, Pobega and Casale found the net once each, in addition to Bartesaghi's own goal.
In the defensive phase, the difference is less marked. With Tedesco the rearguard conceded five goals on average (1.25 per game), while with Palladino they conceded seven (1.4 per game). However, the number of shots on target conceded increased from 3.5 to 4 per game, while the saves of goalkeepers Skorupski and Pessina remained stable (from 2.5 to 2.6 per game). The xG conceded in the first part of the year went from 0.9 to 1.53, with an increase also in the xG on shots on target (from 0.63 to 1.54).
The new coach also worked on managing decisive moments on the pitch. Bologna's reaction after the draw against Lecce, which was then won 2‑1, and the ability to recover the match against Milan, where the rossoblù were overtaken by Cisse's brace, are examples of this new mentality. Palladino also aimed to improve the first striker, given the uphill start of Piccoli and Dovbyk, and to consolidate the defense, which still has room for improvement.
As the season progresses, Bologna looks to the future with optimism, trying to consolidate the positive form and aim for consistent results. The next appointment will be decisive to understand if Palladino's transformation was sufficient to bring the team back to the levels of competitiveness it was waiting for.