Vincenzo Italiano trusts Ciro Immobile will ‘score many goals’ for Bologna this season and that new signing Jonathan Rowe can ‘break games wide open and help you win trophies.’

The Rossoblu begin their Serie A season with a trip to Roma on Saturday, kicking off at 19.45 UK time.

Their coach held a press conference today where he helped introduce new buy Rowe, who was having his medical tests ahead of signing the contract for his transfer from Olympique Marseille.

“We exchanged a few words, but between my English and his Italian, I’m not sure how much we actually understood each other,” joked Italiano.

“I told him that he needs to learn Italian in under a month. He’s coming from Roberto De Zerbi’s staff in Marseille, so I think he will learn quickly. He was a big investment for the club and I am certain he will do well. He has the kind of creativity, physical strength and qualities that can break games wide open and help you win trophies.”

Italiano has high hopes for new Bologna arrivals

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 04: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, gestures prior to the Serie A match between Bologna and Juventus at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on May 04, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Immobile is a much older arrival, but one who has nonetheless impressed Italiano and the Bologna coaching staff this summer since his move from Besiktas.

“He has great intensity, the statistics of a 20-year-old. I don’t look at the age of my players, he continues to make the movements that allowed him to be such an effective hitman all these years, and that’s what matters. He’s hungry and I hope still lethal in front of goal.

“Immobile talks a lot to the younger players, especially Santiago Castro, and can pass on a great deal of wisdom. Ciro will score many goals because he has the hunger of a young kid.”

Bologna pre-season Ciro Immobile (@bolognafc1909)

Lewis Ferguson and Federico Bernardeschi sustained injuries in pre-season and so are not yet 100 per cent fit.

Other new arrivals for Bologna include Nadir Zortea from Cagliari and Torbjorn Heggem from West Bromwich Albion.

“Heggem was a bit bemused in the first few days, but he will slowly get into the reading of some tactical situations he wasn’t accustomed do. We needed a left-footer who could also play with his right foot, so he can be used on either side.

“Zortea had a great season with Cagliari and has useful characteristics for what I have in mind,” added Italiano.

Roma will be making their competitive debut under new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, so are a bit of an unknown quantity.

“It will take time and patience, just like Bologna needed with me last year. Gasperini’s teams always play with intensity and a high tempo, so we must try to be always on our toes, as they’ll attack us from all sides. I expect an entertaining game, playing man for man.”