Bologna coach Thiago Motta has decided not to renew his contract, the Serie A club announced on Thursday, amid reports that the former Italy international is set to move to Juventus.
Motta, 41, led Bologna to Champions League qualification for the first time in their history in his second season at the club. His impressive achievements have caught the attention of several top European teams.
“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 replace Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus. Allegri was sacked last week following behavior deemed “incompatible with the values of Juventus” during and after their Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta.
Bologna and Juventus drew 3-3 on Monday, with Paolo Montero taking charge following Allegri’s dismissal. Motta’s side is currently third in the standings, ahead of Juventus on goal difference as they approach the final weekend of the season.
Motta won over Bologna fans with his results and possession-based football, which features an advanced press and building from the back. Initially met with skepticism when he replaced Sinisa Mihajlovic in September 2022, Motta’s success quickly silenced doubters.
His managerial career began at Genoa, but ended after just two months. He then guided Spezia to Serie A survival in his one season in charge. At Bologna, Motta initially struggled, failing to win any of his first four games, but he eventually led them to a ninth-place finish last season.
This season, Bologna have been a surprise package, losing only five games compared to 12 defeats last season. Juventus, meanwhile, struggled in their Scudetto bid after challenging Inter Milan in the first half of the season. Their title hopes faltered, with just two wins in their last 16 league games.
Juventus will face Monza at home on Saturday, while Bologna will play away at Genoa on Friday.
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