Signori shines in Bologna masterclass

Bologna FC 5-1 FK Teplice
Giuseppe Signori rolled back the years to put Bologna FC on course for the final of the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

Czechs outclassed
The former Italian international striker scored twice and created two more as Bologna, who finished seventh in Italy's Serie A last season, outclassed their visiting Czech opponents in this semi-final first leg.

Locatelli back
It was a great night all round for the Italians, who were also able to welcome back Tomas Locatelli for his first taste of competitive action since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury eleven months ago. His 80th minute appearance as a substitute earned widespread acclaim from the home crowd.

Precise pass
Midfield player Carlo Nervo gave Bologna the lead after just four minutes when he moved on to Signori's precise pass and, from just inside the area, guided the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of Tomás Postulka's net. Nervo returned the compliment 13 minutes before half-time when his pass sent Signori clean through, and the 34-year-old former S.S. Lazio hero made no mistake with a left-foot shot which gave Postulka no chance.

Penalty third
It was three inside 35 minutes. Argentina striker Julio Cruz was brought down by a Teplice defender inside the area, and Signori slotted home his second goal of the night from the penalty spot. Ludek Zelenka replaced the ineffective Radek Divecky at half-time as Teplice looked to rescue a match which had threatened to turn into an embarrassment for them during the first 45 minutes.

Simple task
And it was the substitute who gave the Czechs a way back into the game 20 minutes into the second half. Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca made a mess of a long-range shot, and when the ball rebounded Zelenka was able to complete the simple task of knocking into an open goal.

Cool finish
But that proved to be Teplice's only significant effort on goal in 90 minutes, and any hopes they may have harboured of making a unlikely comeback were buried three minutes later when the home side made it four through Cristian Zaccardo. Veteran midfield man Renato Olive claimed the fifth and final goal on 77 minutes, racing on to a through ball from young Yugoslavian midfielder Vlado Smit before applying a cool finish.

Fulham or Sochaux
The winner's of this tie will play Fulham FC or FC Sochaux-Montbéliard in the final, with Fulham the more likely foe. The English club recorded a 1-0 victory in tonight's semi-final first leg. The first leg of the final is due to be played on 13 August, with the return on 27 August.