Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic celebrates at the end of Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Spal at the Dall'Ara stadium, in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Vasini)
The Associated Press
BOLOGNA, Italy (AP) - Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was again on the Bologna bench to steer his team to an emotional 1-0 win at home to Spal in the Italian league on Friday.
Mihajlovic surprised fans by showing up for their Serie A opener last Sunday in his first public appearance following a month of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with leukemia.
The coach was again on the touchlines for his team's first home match and he waved and patted his chest in thanks as he was given a rousing reception by fans ahead of kickoff.
Bologna appeared headed for a second straight draw but Roberto Soriano headed in Riccardo Orsolini's cross in stoppage time.
Federico Santander saw a goal ruled out for Bologna for offside moments earlier.
Spal goalkeeper Etrit Berisha pulled off a number of fine saves and Bologna was also denied twice by goal line clearances, while Soriano also headed over the bar from five yards out.
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Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic gestures during the Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Spal at the Dall'Ara stadium, in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Vasini)
The Associated Press
Bologna's Roberto Soriano scores against Spal during the Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Spal at the Dall'Ara stadium, in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Vasini)
The Associated Press
Bologna's Lukasz Skorupski celebrates after his teammate Roberto Soriano score during the Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Spal at the Dall'Ara stadium, in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Vasini)
The Associated Press
Bologna's Riccardo Orsolini, right, vies for the ball with Spal's Simone Missiroli, during the Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Spal at the Dall'Ara stadium, in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Vasini)
The Associated Press
Spal coach Leonardo Semplici gestures during the Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Spal at the Dall'Ara stadium, in Bologna, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Marco Vasini)
The Associated Press