Italiano: coaching Bologna was seen as a ‘mission impossible’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano hasn’t forgotten how many doubted him when he took on what was seen as a ‘mission impossible’ at Bologna last summer, following Thiago Motta’s departure. But now, he is reaping the rewards of his impressive work at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

The Rossoblu currently sit fourth in Serie A and are genuine contenders for back-to-back Champions League qualifications—an achievement that seemed far-fetched at the start of the season.

Bologna’s coach Vincenzo Italiano celebrates winning the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Bologna FC and Borussia Dortmund at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 21 January 2025. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

The club not only lost its manager to Juventus but also saw key pillars of last year’s remarkable campaign, such as Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori, make high-profile moves to the Premier League.

Italiano: ‘Many called me crazy when I signed for Bologna’

However, Italiano can still recall the initial scepticism, and people calling him ‘crazy’.

“Many [called me crazy], because over the years, Bologna have often had disappointing seasons,” Italiano told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

“Everyone thought this would be a ‘Mission Impossible’—in fact, that’s exactly what the messages I received said. This was considered the hottest bench in football.

“What did I reply? After speaking with everyone at the club, I felt reassured. I knew there would be difficulties, as there have been, but I had the right people alongside me to help avoid making too many… mistakes.

“Football is like an orange tree. Sowing is easier than harvesting, and the harvest translates into objectives: the Coppa Italia, a semifinal, maybe even a final; and in the league, aiming as high as possible.

“Sowing took us just a moment, but seeing the fruits depends on the climate, the water, the insects, the sun, the rain. Now, the key word will be humility.”

Dan Ndoye of Bologna (R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Sam Beukema (L) and Benjamin Dominguez the Serie A match between Bologna and Torino at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Italiano acknowledged the challenges he has faced with this Bologna side and revealed the toughest task of all.

“Convincing the team that they could add something extra to their already great football,” he said.

“Being credible, getting them on my side—it didn’t happen… right away.”

How much did the prospect of leading Bologna in the Champions League influence his decision to take the job?

“50-60%,” he admitted.

“Testing myself in such a demanding competition, the most challenging one where details make the difference, was a huge motivation.”

Despite their group-stage elimination, Italiano guided Bologna to a prestigious Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund—a moment he considers his finest on the Stadio Dall’Ara bench so far.

“I saw people celebrating as if we had won the Champions League,” he recalled.

“It came after a comeback, with a team that wanted to give itself and the fans a first victory. I choose that one because, even though we were eliminated, it felt like we had lifted the trophy—only the street parades were missing.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, gives instructions to Emil Holm during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 21, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Does he feel more appreciated in Bologna than he did during his three seasons at Fiorentina?

“I don’t know,” he reflected.

“My three years in Florence were somewhat overshadowed by those lost finals, but many understand what we went through during that time.

“Losing them blurred things, but those were three fantastic years. Of course, a coach is judged by results, but I gave everything that was asked of me—maybe even more.

“For me, the journey matters a lot. It feels like people value someone who goes out in the round of 16 more than someone who loses a final. No, no…”

Does football owe him one after three lost finals?

“I think so,” Italiano conceded.

“We certainly deserved to lift at least one trophy. How often do I think about a Coppa Italia final? I do think about it.

“First, we need to win the semifinal, and that won’t be easy—Empoli have beaten top teams away, and I’ve never won there, neither in Serie A nor Serie B. It’s 180 minutes, and we have to play them.

“That said, imagining bringing 30-35,000 Bologna fans to Rome in my first year here would be an incredible dream for all of us—something priceless.”

epa11968300 Bologna’s Dan Ndoye scores the 3-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match Bologna FC vs SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 16 March 2025. EPA-EFE/SERENA CAMPANINI

His side’s fifth goal in their 5-0 thrashing of Lazio in the last Serie A match felt like the perfect embodiment of Italiano’s footballing philosophy.

“It was the perfect summary of a team all pulling in the same direction, fully involved,” the coach said.

“The goal was executed by three new players out of four, showing how united we are—both those who play and those who don’t.

“It’s a very positive sign as we head into the final stretch of the season, where we’ll face one tough match after another, from the league to the Coppa Italia semifinal.”