Bologna’s Marocchi labels Zirkzee an unconventional number 9, similar to Kolivanov

Former Bologna footballer and current Sky Sport pundit, Giancarlo Marocchi, has shared his thoughts on the stand-out performances of Bologna players Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori in an interview with La Repubblica.

Speaking on Zirkzee, Marocchi drew an unexpected comparison. He said, “He reminds me of Kolivanov, he can play with both feet and he sees the game differently. I also love the beauty of his ball control and his elegance. He is irreplaceable.” However, Marocchi seems to moderate his praise with a realistic view of Zirkzee’s goal-scoring prospects, stating: “Even though he already has seven goals, I don’t expect 20 from him, perhaps 12. Then the others need to score, Orsolini, Karlsson. Maybe Ferguson needs to repeat last season and it’s looking good. Nothing easy, of course, but nothing is impossible at this point.”

Discussing Calafiori, Marocchi expressed surprise at the impact the player has had. “For me, he is the best defender”, Marocchi said. He pondered that Lucumi’s injury may have been a blessing in disguise, as it opened more opportunities for Calafiori to play. Marocchi believes that Calafiori is excelling in his role and even suggested that we may soon see him on the wing, with Beukema and Lucumi in central positions, which he believes, could be the best tactical setup.

Marocchi ended his comments with a reflection on the current atmosphere surrounding the team, saying, “Come on, we are really having fun. It’s nice to go to the Dall’Ara and see the fans so happy.”