Italiano leaves Bologna: ‘Friends forever, opponents maybe, but never enemies’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano says that he is leaving Bologna on the best possible terms, has assured Rossoblu supporters that the club is ‘in good hands’ and has driven away from the club with one last message: ‘We will always be friends. Opponents, maybe, but never enemies’.

Italiano leaves Bologna with departing message for supporters: ‘Friends forever’

Bologna confirmed on Thursday that they have parted company with head coach Italiano after two years in charge following a mutual agreement to terminate the coach’s contract.

Italiano was brought in to replace Thiago Motta ahead of Bologna’s 2024-25 Champions League campaign and also won the Coppa Italia during his first season in charge, which earned the team a spot in the 2025-26 Europa League.

Bologna missed out on European qualification by a margin of three points this season.

Italiano was filmed driving away from Bologna’s headquarters on Thursday, and stopped to leave supporters a departing message.

“Sempre Forza Bologna,” said Italiano. “Two spectacular years, thank you to everyone. We left on good terms, we will always be friends, never enemies. Opponents, maybe, but never enemies. It’s been amazing, I want to say goodbye to everyone.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: The Head Coach of Bologna, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“From the first day, it’s been two amazing years. It’s really a fantastic family, we left on really good terms. Now, both Bologna and I have to continue building on the successes that we’ve had.”

And asked by reporters if he has one final message for the Bologna faithful, the departing head coach said: “You’re in good hands, the club will truly thrive. We spoke calmly today, as we always have done. And I repeat: Forza Bologna and my best regards to everyone.”

Despite a slightly disappointing return in the league this season, Italiano remains sought-after in Serie A, and is among the names linked with a move to replace Antonio Conte as head coach of Napoli.