Video: Italiano flies out for new Besiktas adventure | OneFootball

Former Bologna and Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano saluted the Italian media as he flew out to Istanbul to begin a new adventure at Besiktas.

The tactician has been snapped up for the Turkish Super Lig with a two-year contract, reported to be worth €6m per season.

Sportitalia cameras were at the airport where he was getting on a flight to Istanbul this afternoon.

Italiano ready for Besiktas

Although he had been linked with the jobs at Napoli and Milan, it is Besiktas who convinced the 48-year-old to try his first coaching experience abroad.

He has primarily impressed as a cup coach, winning the Coppa Italia with Bologna after a 51-year absence from silverware, taking Fiorentina two the Coppa Italia Final and Conference League Finals too.

“Our company has commenced negotiations with Vincenzo Italiano for the position of head coach of the Football A team,” announced Besiktas in a statement.

epa12101024 Bologna’s head coach Vincenzo Italiano celebrates with his players after winning the Italian Cup final soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna FC in Rome, Italy, 14 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FEDERICO PROIETTI

Turkish football does seem to be looking to Calcio lately, as their national team boss is Vincenzo Montella, while Domenico Tedesco was the coach of Fenerbahce.

Curiously, Italiano is being replaced at Bologna by Tedesco for the 2026-27 season.