Orsolini: ‘I received calls from Italian and foreign clubs’

Riccardo Orsolini admits he has ‘received some calls from Italian teams and foreign’ this summer, but he is in no hurry to leave Bologna.

The 28-year-old has become a real fan favourite at the Stadio Dall’Ara, where he has been since 2018, and is coming off the most prolific campaign of his career.

He scored 15 goals with five assists in 30 Serie A appearances last season, also netting twice in four Coppa Italia matches on the way to lifting that trophy.

All of this earned Orsolini more attention than he is accustomed to, including from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.

Orsolini targeted by Al-Qadsiah

“Let’s just say that I received some calls from Italian teams and foreign in recent days,” Orsolini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

His contract with Bologna runs to June 2027 and there are suggestions he will be offered an improved salary to remain, even if it cannot possibly compete with the wages on offer in Saudi Arabia.

Italy international Mateo Retegui is flying out to complete his €68m transfer to Al-Qadsiah, with wages reportedly reaching €20m per season.

“We haven’t yet talked about an extension to 2029, for now I was just told to go into pre-season training and get to work. In all honesty, the club has other priorities right now,” assured Orsolini.

“At the end of the day, they are all personal decisions to be respected, but unless something remarkable happens, then I am staying here.”

He was largely snubbed by Luciano Spalletti, so does he believe that his chances of playing for Italy will improve now that Gennaro Gattuso is on the Azzurri bench?

“I was very happy to receive Gattuso’s call over the last few days, we talked about the situation, and it’s nice to be seen with the Azzurri again after the end of last season.”