Serie A

BOLOGNA’S NEW WALL

From Sparta Prague to Serie A: Martin Vitík is the new man in the Rossoblù defence. The 2003-born Czech centre-back has physicality, European experience and leader potential

VITIK, SARTORI’S TARGET

Bologna open their market with an investment of real substance: Martin Vitík is officially a Rossoblù. The 2003-born Czech defender will begin taking Vincenzo Italiano’s orders from 12 July, when Bologna’s summer tour will officially begin. The transfer, explored insistently by Giovanni Sartori since last summer, brings a player ready to make an impact in Serie A to the Dall’Ara, despite room still left for growth.

FROM THE SPARTA ACADEMY TO HIS COUNTRY: 150 GAMES AT ONLY 21 YEARS OLD

At 1.93m tall, Vitík grew in the Sparta Prague academy, the team he made 155 appearances for, getting 13 goals and 3 assists between the league and cups. Martin has already performed on important stages (11 appearances in the Europa League, 15 in the Champions League, 2 in the Conference) and he has already made five appearances for the Czech Republic. Bologna are bringing him in at the best time: at 21 years old, with great physical stature and young maturity, he is ready for the jump to Serie A. It is now Italiano’s job to integrate him within his demanding and tactical brand of football that will be perfect in growing his natural talent.

WHAT CAN HE BRING TO BOLOGNA: STRONG, MODERN, A LEADER IN THE MAKING
Vitík is a natural centre-back, right-footed, great in aerial duels and in 1v1s, but also able to take a grip of the game. In the last two seasons in the Czech Republic, he scored eight in the league, also proving to be a great asset in attack from set pieces. Gifted with great positioning and speed, he is the perfect candidate for Italiano’s high and aggressive Bologna defence. He can play in a four-back or as one of the centre-backs in a back three, guaranteeing versatility and reliability. After his experience as the main man in the Czech Republic, he is now making the jump to Italian football where he will be involved in many competitions: Serie A, Europa League, Coppa Italia and the EA Sports FC Supercup.

With Martin Vitík’s arrival, Bologna have signed their second Czech player in their history. Before him, the only one is Ladislav Krejčí, who also started in the Sparta academy and came to the Dall’Ara in 2016 where he stayed for four seasons. Krejčí left Rossoblù fans with great memories, and now it is Vitik’s turn to make his mark. (Photo Website Bologna FC + LaPresse)