MILAN, August 6, 2002 – Gianluca Pagliuca believes it will happen. And not just because Bologna comes into the second game with Teplice with a 5-1 lead which almost rules out any last-minute surprises, but also because in the last three official games he has seen a team emerge that can endure and create, have fun and work hard. A little bit like last year’s team, a good model to start with.

“I hope we can follow our own example,” says Pagliuca on the eve of the second leg of the Intertoto semifinal, a tournament that could gain Bologna the entry into UEFA, “and also play the championship with the same success as last year. First, let’s get into the UEFA Cup. But aside from Europe, the goal remains to play an important part in the championship.”

What conclusions can we draw about Bologna from these first few outings?

“Absolutely positive. I think the team is equal to its goals. Sure, we have lost some “pieces”, but the arrivals have compensated for the departures, and we have a good mix of experience and fresh forces.”

Are we to expect the club to go back to the market?

“No, I don’t think we’ll have news there. Besides, the re-entry of formerly injured players, Goretti most of all, can almost be considered as new purchases.”

The result of the first leg leaves no doubt about the outcome. With what thoughts will you face Teplice in the second leg?

“With the knowledge that we must play another 90 minutes that will be decisive for moving on into the next round and also for our season in general. We must not let ourselves be betrayed by excessive certainty. After this, we still have two matches to play to get into UEFA.”