Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson was overlooked for the Bologna captaincy as questions grew over his future in Italy.
The 26-year-old started Monday night’s Serie A match against Lazio, but deputy captain Riccardo Orsolini led Bologna out at the Renato Dall’Ara. Bologna lost 1-0 at home, with Ferguson playing the full 90 minutes under new manager Domenico Tedesco.
The decision marked a change from last season, when Ferguson was usually given the armband whenever he started a match. He began without it only once in Serie A last term, in the final game, when veteran defender Lorenzo De Silvestri was captain.
Tedesco had already confirmed a new order before the league opener. De Silvestri is now first-choice captain, with Orsolini his deputy and Ferguson third in line. De Silvestri did not start against Lazio, allowing Orsolini to take charge ahead of Ferguson.
Read more
-
Rangers 'considering' transfer move amid positional injury woes this summer
-
EPL manager backs struggling ex-Rangers boss after dismal start
-
New Rangers transfer update as two remaining areas of priority emerge
The former Aberdeen and Hamilton Accies midfielder was one of Serie A’s standout players during Bologna’s 2023/24 campaign. He helped the club to a strong season and was named the league’s Midfielder of the Season. His performances also attracted interest from Juventus.
However, Ferguson’s influence has reduced over the past two seasons. He started only 17 of Bologna’s 38 Serie A matches last term, although he was regularly made captain when selected from the start.
Tedesco’s decision to keep him on the pitch throughout the Lazio defeat, while making changes elsewhere, does not necessarily mean Ferguson is leaving.
But with the transfer window entering its final days, the new leadership structure is likely to add to speculation about the midfielder’s long-term future at Bologna.
