Thiago Motta Tactics At Bologna 2023/2024 – How Their Variation In Pressing Schemes Led Them To A Great First Half Of The Season

With only two points away from the top four after the end of the first half of the season, Bolognas fifth-place and above top Serie A teams, such as Roma, Atalanta, Napoli and Lazio, Thiago Motta had announced himself as one of the most promising young managers in the world of football.

The 41-year-old Italian coach developed a performer club that caught the eye this season and made himself a candidate for a possible future move, as some rumours suggested that the former Inter Milan midfielder could replace Stefano Pioli at AC Milan.

One of the qualities he offers with Bologna is their high pressing, which allows them to suffocate their opponents build-up and adapt to changes during the game and against different clubs.

Our tactical analysis and scout report will provide an analysis of Bolognas pressing, tactics and ideas out of possession.

Lets start with their game against Lazio.

Bologna vs Lazio

Maurizio Sarris Lazio started on a 4-3-3 shape during the build-up, a back four of Manuel Lazzari, Patric, Alessio Romagnoli and Adam Marušić.

Along with Nicolò Rovella as the defensive midfielder, Matteo Guendouzi is closer to him than Luis Alberto, who is in a more advanced position.

Their build-up approach relied on finding Alberto in between the lines, where he could attract a centre-back and create gaps in the oppositions backline.

On the other hand, Thiago Mottas side relies on a 4-2-3-1 high-pressing shape.

One of Joshua Zirkzee, the forward, and Lewis Ferguson, the central attacking midfielder, is pressing the two centre-backs while the other is marking Lazios Rovella.

Furthermore, Alexis Saelemaekers and Riccardo Orsolini are marking the full-backs, and lastly, the pivot of Remo Freuler and Michel Aebischer are pressing both Guendouzi and Alberto.

Consequently, Bologna had an extra man in the backline that completely countered Lazios ideas during the build-up.

We can see below Ferguson is pressing Romagnoli and, Zirkzee is heading towards Rovella, Romagnoli is trying to find Alberto.

Anyway, Bologna is matching Lazios midfield three.