Background

Beukema Hopes Bologna Meet Real Madrid in UCL, Sends Message to Calafiori and Zirkzee

Background

Joshua Zirkzee played the last Serie A match of the 2022-23 season. It was Bologna's 2-0 loss at home to Spezia. He featured for just over an hour, before being replaced by Antonio Raimondo.

The Dutchman has scored four goals in 17 appearances for Bologna this season, although none since the beginning of February.

Bologna finished the season in 13th place, six points above the relegation zone. It means they will not play in Europe next season.

Beukema's Comments

Speaking after the match, Beukema said he hopes Bologna can face Real Madrid in the Champions League next season.

"Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world," he said. "It would be a great experience to play against them."

Beukema also sent a message to Calafiori and Zirkzee, who are both on loan from Roma and Bayern Munich respectively.

"I hope they can stay with us next season," he said. "They are both great players and they have a lot to offer this team."

Analysis

It is unlikely that Bologna will face Real Madrid in the Champions League next season.

The Italian side will need to finish in the top four of Serie A to qualify for the competition.

However, they have not finished in the top four since the 2001-02 season.

It is more likely that Bologna will play in the Europa Conference League next season.

They will need to finish in the top six of Serie A to qualify for that competition.

Bologna have finished in the top six of Serie A twice in the last five seasons.

It is possible that Calafiori and Zirkzee will stay with Bologna next season.

Both players have said that they are happy at the club.

However, it is also possible that they will return to their parent clubs.

It will depend on whether Roma and Bayern Munich want them back.