Villa chase European salvation as Bologna plot another upset

Aston Villa head to Coppa Italia holders Bologna for a demanding Europa League quarter‑final first leg, knowing the competition now represents their clearest route to silverware. With Unai Emery’s side having slipped out of the Premier League title picture, Europe has become the stage on which their season can still be defined. If anyone can steer Villa to a first trophy since 2001, it is Emery, a four‑time Europa League winner who has now guided the club to three straight quarter‑finals across European competitions. Captain John McGinn, speaking after the 3‑0 aggregate win over Lille, insisted the squad “want more now” and must keep pushing one match at a time.

Bologna, however, arrive emboldened after eliminating Roma and are eager to spring another surprise. Coach Vincenzo Italiano embraced the underdog tag, noting past defeats to Villa but vowing his team will again try to shock higher‑rated opposition.