Bologna forward Artem Dovbyk failed to register a single shot on target as his new side fell 1-0 to Brighton in a pre-season friendly on August 16, a result that will do little to quiet doubts about the Ukrainian's ability to hit the ground running in Serie A.
The result matters because Dovbyk arrives at Bologna carrying the weight of expectation that comes with a high-profile move from Roma, and Vincenzo Italiano's side needs a reliable focal point up front. The club finished eighth in Serie A last season with 49 goals in 38 matches — a return that reflects a squad capable of competing in the top half but not yet threatening the European places. A striker who cannot find the net, or even test a goalkeeper, in pre-season is a concern worth monitoring.
Hinshelwood's 58th-minute goal settled the friendly in Brighton's favour, and Dovbyk — according to the match report — never forced the opposing goalkeeper into a save. For a centre-forward whose entire value proposition rests on his presence in and around the box, that kind of anonymity is the worst kind of pre-season headline.
His verified season data from 2025-26 offers some context. Across 14 Serie A appearances, Dovbyk contributed three goals and one assist, carrying an average match rating of 6.50 and an AI Overall score of 73 out of 100. The ceiling is clearly there; the consistency is not yet. A rating of 6.50 is the mark of a player who participates without dominating — present but not decisive.
The squad around him is also in flux. LucumÃ's departure to Juventus removes a key defensive organiser, and the arrival of Roberto Piccoli from Fiorentina adds competition in attack rather than complementary support. Italiano will need to build cohesion quickly, and Dovbyk will need to impose himself before the competitive calendar begins in earnest.
One poor friendly proves nothing. But for a 29-year-old striker who has yet to fully convince in Italian football, the margin for quiet performances is narrowing.