Joshua Zirkzee and Lewis Ferguson scored for Bologna in the 2-1 win.
Motta said: "It was a very complicated match against a team accustomed to playing at this level.
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We stayed in there, making the most of our chances to get a good victory. When Saelemaekers comes on with this attitude, he brings something extra. Ndoye and the others can play on the left, but he has something special.
However, I don't like it at times when he dives.
I am not even thinking about the Champions League. I am focused only on our performances, our training and being ready to face every match to the best of our abilities."
On Ferguson, he said: I always give him 10 out of 10, not for the goal, but because he is a warrior and sets the example for his teammates."