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Bologna coach Thiago Motta has decided to not renew his contract, the Serie A club said on Thursday, amid reports linking the former Italy international to Italian giants Juventus. Motta, 41, led Bologna to Champions League qualification for the first time in club history in his second season, and his achievements have put him on the radar of several of Europe’s elite clubs.
“This morning Thiago Motta informed the club of his intention not to renew his contract with Bologna FC 1909,” Bologna said in a statement. “Having taken note of the decision, the club thanks the coach for his extraordinary work and wishes him the best of luck for the rest of his career.” Motta is expected to join Juventus, replacing Massimiliano Allegri, who was fired last week after his actions before and after the Coppa Italia final victory against Atalanta were deemed “incompatible with the values of Juventus” by the Turin-based club.
Bologna and Juventus drew 3-3 on Monday, with Paolo Montero taking over following Allegri’s dismissal. Motta’s team is third in the standings, ahead of Juventus on goal difference entering the last weekend of the season. After much initial suspicion, Motta won over Bologna fans with his possession-based football style, which included an advanced press and building from the back, when he succeeded Sinisa Mihajlovic in September 2022.
His first managerial stint at Genoa lasted only two months, and he then led Spezia to Serie A survival in his only season in charge. Motta led Bologna to a ninth-place finish last season after losing his first four games. Bologna has been this season’s surprise package, losing only five games compared to 12 previous season, while Juventus failed to win the Scudetto despite challenging Inter Milan in the first half. Their title bid failed, as their last 16 league games yielded only two wins. Their final game of the season is at home against Monza on Saturday, while Bologna plays away to Genoa on Friday.
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