Bologna Officially Confirm that Thiago Motta Won’t Stay

A last-ditch effort from Bologna didn’t make Thiago Motta change his mind. The team announced Thursday that the gaffer wouldn’t extend his contract. The Felsinei held a parade to celebrate their Champions League qualification on Wednesday night. Team president Joey Saputo met with the boss but to no avail.

The manager will depart the Rossoblù after two seasons. He led the team to a ninth-place finish in the past campaign. They’ll conclude in the top five in the current one.

Motta has collected 35 wins, 23 draws, and 16 losses during his time in the Bologna dugout. He’ll conclude his tenure versus Genoa on Friday night. The Felsinei appointed him after he miraculously avoided relegation with Spezia in 2021/2022.

The up-and-coming skipper will be introduced as the new Juventus boss shortly after the end of the season. He’ll replace Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked with rounds to go. His contract with the Emilian sides ends in June, so the Bianconeri don’t need to negotiate to get him.

The manager gave in to Cristiano Giuntoli’s courtship also due to some divergences with director Giovanni Sartori concerning the transfer market, Corriere dello Sport informed.

Our Take on Thiago Motta and Bologna

It’s a gut punch, but there wasn’t much they could have done late in the game. They should have given him a longer contract two years ago, at least through an option, or they should have gotten an extension last summer. It’s not a romantic ending, but he probably felt he took them as far as possible.