Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)

Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano wants his team to "make life difficult" for Aston Villa, and says he isn't ashamed to admit they are a superior team.

The Serie A club, who have lost to Villa twice in the last 18 months in Birmingham, host Unai Emery's side for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night.

Acknowledging that Bologna are the underdogs in the tie, Italiano wants his players to use that to their advantage to cause another upset, having knocked AS Roma out of the competition at the round of 16 stage, winning 5-4 on aggregate.

“Our fans are pushing us like they always do. In the last three years, year after year, we made history. Next week, we have another opportunity to make history again,” Italiano said.

“I know that there is a big preparation for this game in terms of support. Of course, we will need it and we will be proud for this game.

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