Champions League: Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk – probable line ...

epa11576124 Bologna's coach Vincenzo Italiano during the Italian Serie A soccer match Bologna FC vs Empoli FC at Renato Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 31 August 2024. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

Vincenzo Italiano is set to name his strongest available line-up to face Shakhtar Donetsk in what will be Bologna’s first game in the Champions League or European Cup since 1964. 

There are unlikely to be any major surprises regarding the Rossoblu line-up. Lukasz Skorupski will start in goal and is likely to be protected by a back four consisting of Stefan Posch, Sam Beukema, Jhon Lucumi and Charalampos Lykogiannis. 

Remo Freuler and Michel Aebischer could start together in a double pivot, with Riccardo Orsolini, Giovanni Fabbian and Dan Ndoye in front of them. 

Wednesday’s reports suggest that 19-year-old Santiago Castro is expected to keep his place in the line-up over summer signing Thijs Dallinga. 

All of Bologna’s injuries are long-term concerns. Lewis Ferguson and Nicolo Cambiaghi are out with cruciate ligament injuries, while Oussama El Azzouni is down with a knee injury. 

Kick-off at the Dall’Ara is scheduled for 17.45 BST. 

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Aebischer, Freuler; Orsolini, Fabbian, Ndoye; Castro.

Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matvienko, Azarovi; Bondarenko, Kryskiv, Sudakov; Pedrinho, Sikan, Kevin.

Supporters in the United Kingdom will be able to watch Wednesday’s Champions League clash live on TNT Sports 4, or online via TNT Sports, which can also be accessed through Discovery+. 

CBS have the rights for the Champions League in the United States. Supporters are also able to watch via Paramount+. 

For viewers in Canada, the match will be available to stream online through DAZN.