Bologna confirm open-top bus parade to celebrate Champions League qualification

The festivities are soon to begin for Bologna, after they secured qualification to the Champions League last weekend, for the first time since their appearance in the preliminary round in 1964, and now the club are planning for a few celebrations to recognise this season’s accomplishments.

Bologna confirmed on Sunday that they will stage an open-top bus parade through the city, beginning from the square outside the Dall’Ara’s Curva Bulgarelli, leading to the Piazza Maggiore, where thousands of supporters are expected to be waiting in order to congratulate the team.

The parade will also take the team past several iconic spots in the city of Bologna, including the Piazza Malpighi and through Via Indipendenza.

The club, with an official statement, have urged supporters who live or work along the route to decorate their homes and/or businesses in Bologna colours.

The events are due to take place on Wednesday 22 May, beginning at 18.30 BST, 19.30 local time.

What Bologna need to confirm third place in Serie A

On the pitch, The Rossoblu are due to face Juventus in Serie A on Monday night, which will likely determine the final ranking of the two teams in question, who are currently level on points in third and fourth place, with 67 apiece.

A win for Bologna against Juve will secure third place in the league, while a draw means that the teams will still be level on points, and on head-to-head given their 1-1 draw earlier in the season. If the latter scenario is the case, the final standings will be determined on the final day of the season next weekend.

In contrast, a loss against Juventus will mean that the Old Lady will confirm their spot in third place at full-time on Sunday.