Bologna FC: Is there a problem with Arnautovic?

After an autumn with many highlights, Marko Arnautovic has not really made an appearance in the Italian soccer Serie A this year. A foot injury suffered on January 4 slowed Austria’s team forward for a long time, most recently the hip hurt. Arnautovic has only been on the field for 25 minutes since then, on Monday he was on the bench in the 0-1 draw at Torino. Tomorrow (8.45 p.m., DAZN) the “Rossoblu” will meet Lazio.

In Italy, rumors are circulating that coach Thiago Motta is not a big fan of the Viennese. What Motta now denied again. “I have no problem with Marko or anyone else. I line up purely on merit.” That was clear from the first day of his work at the club: “Elf deserve to start. Two or five will follow, the others have to work to get their chance,” said Motta.

The eight-time goalscorer Arnautovic is working on his form in training. “We are waiting for him, he will have his moments again, he was out for 40 days,” said the 40-year-old then. In general, he expects more from his leading players.

Lienhart has to take a break

The former series champions Juventus Turin came in the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League to a 1-0 victory over SC Freiburg, who not only lost the match but also ÖFB team defender Philipp Lienhart (muscle injury). It is unclear how long the forced break will last. “In any case, we will do everything we can to create a sensation in the end,” said Freiburg coach Christian Streich. The return match is on Thursday.