Super Eagles-eligible Joshua Zirkzee gets new coach at Bologna

Joshua Zirkzee and his Bologna teammates know who will be in charge of the club next season. 

Thiago Motta guided the Emilia-Romagna outfit to a Champions League spot for the first time in the club’s history as they ended fifth in Serie A. 

However, the former Inter midfielder has since revealed his departure from Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, with a move to Juventus imminent. 

Bologna, on Wednesday, announced Vincenzo Italiano as Motta’s successor, with the former Fiorentina head coach signing a two-year deal. 

Italiano guided the Viola to two consecutive Europa Conference League finals in 2023 and 2024 but the Tuscany club were beaten by West Ham United and Olympiacos, respectively. 

Italiano also suffered a Coppa Italia defeat to Inter in the 2023 final. 

The German-born coach notably played for Hellas Verona and Chievo in his playing days and the 46-year-old was Spezia boss before joining Fiorentina. 

Zirkzee’s Bologna future remains up in the air, with the 23-year-old linked with a move to AC Milan and Arsenal, as both sides seek to improve their attacking depth and quality. 

The forward is reported to have a €40m release clause in his Rossoblu contract.