A season of two halves for Bologna as a dismal campaign under Pippo Inzaghi was salvaged by a wonderful effort from Sinisa Mihajlovic to eventually secure a top half finish which looked impossible at one point.
Inzaghi has yet to show he holds the same nous and smarts at the top level of management that he did when he was a player. His Bologna side played dull turgid football and won just 2 of his 21 games in charge. The former Milan striker failed to motivate his players and was duly sacked after an embarrassing 4-0 home defeat by Frosinone.
Mihajlovic came in and immediately breathed new life into this ailing squad with a bold and well deserved victory over Inter at the San Siro. The Serb's aggressive ballsy character transferred onto his players who suddenly began performing with a purpose. In the end, Bologna acquired more than double the amount of points under Mihajlovic in less games than with Inzaghi.
Mihajlovic was able to get the best out of January signings Roberto Soriano and Nicola Sansone. Soriano was given a free attacking role behind the striker which he thrived in whilst Sansone along with Ricardo Orsolini provided pace, energy and skill on the flanks. Orsolini was particularly impressive as he ended the season as joint-top scorer and provided many assists.
A squad that looked tired and out of ideas was suddenly transformed by a manager with a fresh approach and Bologna will have to do everything in their power to hang onto Mihajlovic.
