Bologna technical director Sartori praises Calafiori and Zirkzee as the most surprising talents

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Giovanni Sartori recently gave an interview to La Repubblica and the Bologna technical director covered a number of interesting topics and began by discussing the Rossoblu’s start to the season.

When asked about the club’s start to the campaign under Vincenzo Italiano and how they performed in the transfer window, he expressed glee.

He said, via Di Marzio: “I hoped that not changing coaches would avoid the traumas of last summer. It took us two months to understand this, and in the meantime, our Champions League campaign was jeopardised. Now we’re off to a better start.”

Sartori revealed that he hasn’t always got along with coaches under his club’s employ at some of his previous clubs

He said: “Why didn’t I get along with some coaches? I could write a book about it. I rarely argue, but it happened to me. Not with Italiano, he’s very open to dialogue.”

The manager complimented Gasperini, an old acquaintance of his as the two shared the spotlight during their time together at Atalanta

“Roma have been on pace for the Champions League since last year with Ranieri. Gasperini is a good coach. He’s been good at providing continuity by putting in his own effort.”

Sartori also revealed the players who have surprised him the most in recent years and also expressed his opinion about the situation of Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, who left Bologna to join the Red Devils in the summer of 2024 but has struggled in an unstable environment.

“Calafiori and also Zirkzee. And I’m surprised to see him struggling in Manchester, but at United, it’s tough for many. Look at Hojlund… ”

The British press has suggested that Zirkzee could be on his way out of Old Trafford in the summer.

Links with Serie A clubs have never been too far and depending on the costs of a move, it feels like a return to Italy could well be possible this summer for the Dutchman.

GIFN | Max Bradfield