Aston Villa – Bologna: Reverse Fullbacks, Reverse Effect (4-0)

Vincenzo Italiano kept his cards close. Not many drastic changes to the starting eleven, but it became clear when the fullbacks had swapped sides from the first leg. Whether it was for better tracking of Aston Villa’s wide center-midfielders, better access inside or for more isolation for the winger against opposition fullback, Bologna was worse in all departments.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

“Mission Impossible.” Vincenzo Italiano described the task of overturning Aston Villa’s 3-1 advantage that they had taken from Northern Italy last week. “I asked the club to bring in Tom Cruise.”

The return leg at Villa Park, and against Europa League specialist Unai Emery, made this an uphill battle. Nevertheless, the performance of Jonathan Rowe in last Thursday’s clash could have provided Bologna with the Ethan Hunt that they need. His carrying and one-versus-one ability was Bologna’s source of progression, but if there was any hope of a comeback, Italiano had to establish other routes to grind out better opportunities.

Emery went with the same side that had secured the scoreline from the first leg. Emiliano Martínez missed the Premier League game against Nottingham Forest after picking up a knock in the warm-up. On the bench, Tyrone Mings and Jadon Sancho returned, having been absent with injuries.

Italiano made three changes from last week. In the defense, Jhon Lucumí (suspended) and Torbjørn Heggem . . .