Michele Di Gregorio is proud that Bournemouth ‘doesn’t change their mind’ even against Milan in the Europa League, describes the difference in England and defends the Bologna rumors.
The Italian goalkeeper made the move to the Vitality Stadium in the summer, from Juventus with a loan option to buy, and had just his second start in the club’s 3-0 victory this evening.
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It was decided by two penalties Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier, more than a late Amine Adli free kick, after Mike Maignan’s red card 28 minutes into the match.
Di Gregorio enjoying Bournemouth
Di Gregorio officially joins Bournemouth on loan with an option to buy (pic via afcb.co.uk)
“We were at home this evening, we know it’s a big match at the highest level of the team, we all know Milan, but we’re not changing our mind,” Di Gregorio told Sky Sport Italia.
“Burnmouth to insist on being aggressive, against every opponent with our ideas, just to play, and instead of incidents, we had such an attitude.”
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Milan didn’t have a shot in attack, so Di Gregorio had a quiet night in only his second appearance for the Cerasi since the summer loan option to buy from Juventus. Need to do some warm-up exercises in the rain?
“I felt a little cold at the end tonight! But when the goalkeeper keeps a clean sheet, it’s a collective effort, so I have to thank my teammates for that.”
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Bournemouth players pose for a photo before the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Stage MD3 match between AFC Bournemouth and AC Milan at Bournemouth Stadium on October 22, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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Now that it comes to the Premier League, why are English teams starting to be so strong as to match Italy’s tendency to learn from their opponents?
“I think it is important to play here every game with our ideas of football, which means attacking and a different intensity for Italy. That leads to more open games and it does not matter who is against you, whether it is the top of the table or the rock bottom, you can take risks.
“Everyone here has their own ideas, and they stick to them, no matter what the opponent.”
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Ardon Jashari of AC Milan runs the ball under pressure from Adrien Truffert of Bournemouth during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Stage MD3 match between AFC Bournemouth and AC Milan at Bournemouth Stadium on October 22, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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Although he is a goalkeeper, how has Di Gregorio adapted to the cultural shift of working in the English team?
“It was a big change for me, the difference in the training method, but I think the intensity is the biggest difference. The grit, the consistency, he immediately attacked the ball, which is amazing to me.”
Juventus has been left amid a flurry of criticism: what is it that he lacks and is not mistaken about Italy?
“Even if I’m here, I still see some things that are said in Italy, and I’m sorry that I don’t change or improve things, but this is football now and we can only stay within the rules of that game. Fortunately, as far as me and my family still miss nothing, we are very happy here, so it’s all OK.”
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It has been reported that new Bologna coach Raffaele Palladino has appealed to Di Gregorio over a potential January transfer to Serie A.
“Yes, we have a good relationship and he would watch the games of those who worked at Monza, we love each other, but there is nothing else”.