Former Bologna striker Julio Cruz is hoping they clinch a top four finish.

Should they do so, Cruz has called for every player to stay.

He told TMW: "It's fun and they have fun: it's a compact team, they all know what they have to do, even if they go behind they coldly continue to pursue their own game, their own guideline.

"Credit to Motta and everyone. It's a mix: board, staff, coach, players and those behind it.

"He (Thiago Motta) and everyone must stay. And what's more, the club should bring in those 2-3 more players to make a high-level team. Do you know what I like about this Bologna team? That it's young, there are strong, quality guys, Calafiori, Zirkzee himself, Ferguson who will recover, not least the Argentine Castro.

"Here, with this youth, Bologna can last for years, open a cycle. If the Champions League arrives, everyone should stay: playing a competition like this where they love you is more easy but also dreamlike."