'We couldn't do anything': Bologna boss admits Liverpool star was impossible to stop in UCL clash

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As Bologna discovered in Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Anfield, knowing what the Liverpool superstar is going to do next is one thing.

Stopping him from doing it, however, is an altogether different challenge.

As Liverpool made it two wins from two in the Champions League – sweeping aside AC Milan in the San Siro on matchday one before edging past a spirited Bologna outfit on home soil – visiting boss Vincenzo Italiano had few complaints about the eventual 2-0 defeat.

Rossoneri boss Paulo Fonseca was full of praise for Liverpool’ Mo Salah; his Milan side powerless to prevent the Reds talisman in full flow. And Italiano spoke in similarly resigned tones as the Egyptian King donned his crown and pulled off a finish fit for European royalty.

Mohamed Salah hit the woodwork twice at Milan.

There was to be no repeat of such near misses against Bologna, however.

Liverpool’s number 11 pulled out his favourite party piece; cutting inside and whipping an inch-perfect shot into the far corner with his trusty left boot.

Bologna boss lauds Mo Salah after Liverpool clash

“It’s clear that we come out with our heads held high,” reflects Italiano, the two-time Europa Conference League runner-up who replaced now-Juventus boss Thiago Motta in the Bologna dugout.

“We played a great match apart from the incidents of the two goals. In the second one, we couldn’t have done anything about Salah.

“We had personality, we created [chances], we put them in difficulty. We were brave. We often turned the field around.

“I’m happy, [but] it’s a shame because we could have scored a goal. Let’s start from here and bring home important ideas for our journey.”

One of many Champions League debutants in the 2024/25 edition of the competition – alongside Girona, Brest and an Aston Villa side who defeated Bayern Munich thanks to another Jhon Duran wonderstrike – Bologna can take plenty of self-belief out of a performance in which they threatened Alisson Becker’s goal on a number of occasions.

“You know how difficult it is for guys who are playing these competitions for the first time,” adds Italiano. “But the guys are starting to get used to this pace. Liverpool are strong and you have to give something.

“I’m happy with the compliments. We wanted to take away something positive through which to grow.”

Arne Slot hails Trent Alexander-Arnold role in Salah stunner

Salah set up Alexis Mac Allister’s first-half opener in the same way he scored his goal. Cutting inside and, rather than shooting, pitching a gorgeous cross into the penalty area for the onrushing Argentine.

That trademark finish with 75 minutes on the clock, meanwhile, ensures that Salah now has nine goals or assists in just eight appearances under Arne Slot.

Amid concerns that his best days were behind him – concerns which were exacerbated as Salah struggled in Liverpool’s shock defeat to Nottingham Forest – can now be put emphatically to bed.

“What can I say about Mo?” a delighted Slot smiles, while keen to highlight the role Trent Alexander-Arnold played in Salah’s late decider.

“What you saw today is what you get. If you bring him often enough in positions like this, he can score a goal. He had a great assist as well.

“I think the second [goal], if you look at the way he scored it, I can understand everybody is talking about the finish because it was a fantastic finish.

“Trent made a crucial overlapping run. That opened up the space on the inside for Mo to do what Mo always does.”