Bologna FC 1909 v Aston Villa Pre-Match

[andyh]

Footballs back !!!!!!!!!!!!

3-1 Villa.

[eamonn]

We are so back!

2-5

[Demitri_C]

Bologna last two games lose 2-0 to lazio, and then beat cremonese 2-1

[TheToffnar]

The Warehouse isn't open for the game tomorrow.

Seems insane to me that the club isn't willing to open it for QF of a European game... 

[RamboandBruno]

The Warehouse isn't open for the game tomorrow.

Seems insane to me that the club isn't willing to open it for QF of a European game...

Seems like a missed opportunity, bit bizarre in terms of decision making.

[cdbearsfan]

Maybe because there is loads of work going on and it wouldn't be safe to do so.

[RamboandBruno]

Maybe because there is loads of work going on and it wouldn't be safe to do so.

Good point

[eamonn]

Yeah, the place is a building site due to the North Stand works spilling. They've a week to tidy-up a bit for the home leg.

[Nev]

Along with the sweet relief of football coming back after another interminable International break (last weekend doesn't count) we also have the return of the anxious anticipation, the hope, the worry and all round stress of watching us play football. And we wouldn't change it for anything, perhaps apart from a stonking win in Italy rendering the game next Thursday as academic as it can be.

It would be nice but it's unlikely, I'm still going for a win though.

0-1

[Brazilian Villain]

They've a week to tidy-up a bit for the home leg.

Let's hope we're not saying that after tomorrow night's game.

[andyh]

Still no pre match presser ?!

[Mellin]

Gentle reminder that we haven't been in the quarter finals of this competition for nearly 30 years. Remember it well as a starry eyed young'un. Pressing for the third and decisive goal against Christian Vieri's Atletico. I'm going to try and savour this and frame it as hopefully revenge for that heartbroken young kid.

Worth taking a moment to remember what we're up to these days. Three European quarter finals on the bounce is unprecedented. Here's hoping this year it will become two European trophies.

Up the Villa. Up the Emery.

[VancouverLion]

Gentle reminder that we haven't been in the quarter finals of this competition for nearly 30 years. Remember it well as a starry eyed young'un. Pressing for the third and decisive goal against Christian Vieri's Atletico. I'm going to try and savour this and frame it as hopefully revenge for that heartbroken young kid.

Worth taking a moment to remember what we're up to these days. Three European quarter finals on the bounce is unprecedented. Here's hoping this year it will become two European trophies.

Up the Villa. Up the Emery.

And, Up the Mellin.

[Chris Harte]

I had a pass out from the other half to get a ticket for this one, and could have easily got one having been to the game in Lille, but decided against it having promised that my only other away game this season would be in Istanbul if we get there. Turns out while chatting with my line manager this week, he'd have refused a leave request for this one anyway, and I can understand why, with the department temporarily down to four people from the usual eight as it is. Perhaps I need to retire and follow my dreams because a decade from now we might be back to where we were a decade ago.

Enjoy it if you're travelling boys and girls. Really enjoy it, because the future isn't guaranteed.

[Crown Hill]

Bologna is a great city to visit.  A few quick recommendations.

For a really nice lunch of fresh fish, and not expensive, try Banco 32, in the Mercato delle Erbe.

Osteria del Sole, in the Quadilatero, is an old and basic wine tavern, the wine is lovely and also cheap.  Food is not served here, but they are happy for you to take in your own food to eat.

Osteria dell'Orsa, on Via Mentana, is an old fashioned casual tavern, serving hearty food and carafes of wine, very inexpensive.

Just a few metres from the football ground is the start of the world's longest portico, consisting of 666 arches, with dozens of frescoes lining the way up to the Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca. There are lovely views to be had over the city and the countryside from the top, and over the football ground as you walk up.

To those who are going, have a great trip.

Dining at Osteria dell'Orsa - what a great recommendation! Thank you!