Defeat at Bologna leaves European dreams hanging by a thread

Sampdoria’s hopes of qualifying for European football next season were dealt a severe blow as they lost 3-0 to Bologna on Easter Saturday.

The loss, together with results elsewhere, leaves Samp needing to make up five points in the last five games.

In all fairness, defeat was no less than Sampdoria deserved as a Tonelli own goal, a Pulgar free kick and a third by Orsolini sealed the points for a Bologna side scrapping for their top-flight survival.

Next week’s home game against Lazio has a last-chance saloon feel about it.

Bologna 3-0 Sampdoria (HT 0-0)

Scorers: Tonelli (og) 55, Pulgar 69, Orsolini 83.

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Mbaye, Danilo (Helander 88), Lyanco, Krejci; Pulgar, Dzemaili (Poli 76); Orsolini, Soriano (Donsah 86), Sansone; Palacio.

Subs not used: Da Costa, Paz, Nagy, Mattiello, Edera, Destro, Svanberg, Calabresi, Falcinelli.

Coach: Mihajlovic.

Sampdoria (4-3-1-2): Audero; Sala, Tonelli, Andersen, Murru (36′ s.t. Jankto); Praet, Ekdal, Linetty (22′ s.t. Caprari); Ramírez (13′ s.t. Saponara); Defrel, Quagliarella.

Subs not used: Rafael, Belec, Vieira, Barreto, Colley, Sau, Tavares, Bereszynski, Ferrari.

Coach: Giampaolo.

Referee: Mariani (Aprilia).

Assistants: Marrazzo (Frosinone) and Tegoni (Milan).

Fourth official: Abbattista (Molfetta).

VAR: Irrati (Pistoia).

VAR assistant: Tolfo (Pordenone).

Booked: Murru 41, Sala 48, Soriano 52, Andersen 53, Orsolini 58, Tonelli 68.

Added time: 1+3 minutes.

Attendance: 13,708 season tickets (€155,848), 7,683 match tickets (€273,282).

Pitch: good condition.