Bologna coach Thiago Motta has opted not to renew his contract, the Serie A club said on Thursday, and the former Italy international will move to Juventus, according to Italian media reports.
Motta, 41, led Bologna to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history in his second season at the club, and those exploits have put him on the radar of many of Europe's top teams.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
“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 move to Juventus, replacing Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked last week after his behavior during and after the Coppa Italia final victory over Atalanta was deemed “incompatible with Juventus' values.” ” by the Turin-based club.
Bologna and Juventus drew 3-3 on Monday, with Paolo Montero in charge after Allegri's dismissal. Motta's team is third in the standings, ahead of Juventus on goal difference heading into the final weekend of the season.
Motta won over Bologna fans with results and his possession-based style of football, using advanced pressing and building from the back, after much initial skepticism when he replaced Sinisa Mihajlovic in September 2022.
His first managerial role at Genoa ended after just two months, and he then guided Spezia to Serie A survival in his only season in charge. In Bologna, Motta failed to win any of their first four matches, but led them to a ninth-place finish last season.
Bologna has been the surprise of this season, losing five games compared to 12 losses last season, while Juventus failed again in its shield offer after having challenged Inter Milan in the first half of the season.
Their title aspiration failed and in their last 16 league games they only achieved two victories. Their last game of the season will be at home against Monza on Saturday, while Bologna will play away against Genoa on Friday.
