Bologna have been absolutely incredible this season in the Serie A, currently sitting in third place, level on points with Juventus and securing Champions League qualification for next season.
Bologna will once again compete in the Champions League after what must have felt like an eternity, having last featured in the competition when it was still known as the European Cup in 1964/1965.
Soccernet.football has ranked the Rossoblu’s standout performers of an amazing Serie A campaign.
5. Alexis Saelemaekers
On loan from AC Milan, Saelemaekers has enjoyed a fine season under Motta at Bologna, despite having had a slow start to the Serie A campaign.
The Belgian international has been handed regular starts by the Rossoblu manager Thiago Motta and he has repaid his manager’s faith with some impressive performances across the season.
In 28 Serie A appearances for the Rossoblu this season, Saelemaekers has scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists.
Saelemaekers’ loan deal includes an option to make the deal permanent for €9.5 million. It remains to be seen whether the Rossoblu will opt to trigger that clause.
4. Riccardo Orsolini
Orsolini has been a key player for Bologna in the Serie A this season, creating chances for teammates as well as finishing off some himself to propel the Rossoblu in the league.
The Italian has seen his form take a dip in recent months, managing just one goal in his last ten appearances for Bologna in the Serie A.
Orsolini’s contributions to the Rossoblu’s incredible season include a tally of 10 goals, 2 assists and 3 MOTM performances across 31 Serie A appearances.
3. Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has been a revelation for Bologna this season, establishing himself as one of the standout defenders in the Serie A with impressive performances for the Rossoblu throughout the season.
The 21-year-old defender has enjoyed a breakout season under Motta, occasionally operating at left-back despite being a center-back, Calafiori has been a potent weapon in many ways and he has been extremely pivotal to how Bologna operate.
His tenacity in tackling has seen him make more ball recoveries than anyone else in the side (174) while his ability on the ball has been sensational. Calafiori has also contributed in attack with 5 assists.
2. Lewis Ferguson
Ferguson has been one of the standout players for Bologna in the Serie A this season, featuring regularly for the Rossoblu and playing a significant part in their quest for Champions League qualification.
The Scotland international unfortunately suffered an ACL injury in Bologna’s goalless draw with Monza in April and he has been ruled out for the remainder of 2024.
The 24-year-old midfielder’s contributions for the Rossoblu in the Serie A this season include 6 goals and 3 assists across 31 league appearances.
1. Joshua Zirkzee
This season, Zirkzee has staked his claim as one of the outstanding young center-forwards in the Serie A, if not in the entire continent.
The Dutchman’s combination of height and physicality coupled with an amazing technical ability has provided a focal point for the Rossoblu in attack in terms of holdup play.
The 22-year-old striker has been at the center of Bologna’s push for Champions League qualification, notching 11 goals and creating another 4, including 5 MOTM displays in 34 Serie A appearances for the Rossoblu.