Besiktas’ special tribute to Italiano as coach wins fans’ hearts | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano has already become an idol at Besiktas, with the Turkish club giving him a special tribute after their 4-1 win over Marseille by playing Toto Cutugno’s iconic hit ‘L’Italiano.’

Former Fiorentina and Bologna coach Italiano has had a fantastic start to his Besiktas career, grabbing ten wins from his first 12 games in charge.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 17: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Besiktas celebrates after during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Besiktas JK and Olympique de Marseille at Besiktas Park on September 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Last night, he made his Europa League debut with the Turkish side, securing an emphatic 4-1 home win against Olympique Marseille.

Italiano is already a Besiktas idol

Viral videos circulating on social media show Besiktas fans chanting Italiano’s name during the match as the 48-year-old coach passionately patrolled the touchline.

At the end of the match, Italiano also received a special, funny tribute from the club as the speakers at Besiktas Park played the iconic Toto Cutugno song ‘L’Italiano’.

A former Trapani, Spezia, Fiorentina and Bologna coach, Italiano signed for Besiktas last summer after a two-year spell with the Rossoblu.

During his spell at the Dall’Ara, Italiano guided Bologna to a historic Coppa Italia triumph in 2024-25, ending the club’s 51-year wait for a major domestic trophy.