Bologna have shocked the soccer world with their fantastic performances this season. Thiago Motta and his men have been the surprise package in Serie A 2023/24, currently sitting at the third spot with just matchdays to go. The club’s most recent 2-0 victory over Napoli ensured that they will be playing in the Champions League next season after a long wait of 59 years.
🚨🔴🔵 59 years later, Italian side Bologna are back to Champions League after fantastic season!
Excellent work by Thiago Motta, club, board and wonderful team. 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/ra0pjcgrM9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2024
In recent seasons, Bologna has only been able to manage mid-table finishes in the Italian top flight. Consequently, no one expected the club to enjoy such a spectacular season where they have gone toe-to-toe with some of the most successful and historic clubs in Italy. The club’s management, Thiago Motta, and the players have ensured one of the most successful seasons in Bologna’s recent history.
Bologna’s incredible rise from last season
During the 2022/23 European season, Bologna managed to secure the ninth spot in the Serie A table, narrowly missing out on the UEFA Europa Conference League qualification. Thiago Motta, who joined the club in the middle of the 22/23 campaign gained the trust of the club’s management with his tactical prowess and man-management abilities. The former Inter Milan player proceeded to develop and nurture his squad during the summer of 2023.
Bologna were busy in the summer transfer market ensuring several arrivals to strengthen Motta’s squad. One of his main accomplishments this season has been unlocking the potential of talented youngsters, none so more than Joshua Zirkzee. The striker has found the back of the net 11 times in the league under the guidance of Thiago Motta. Zirkzee along with his teammates has ensured that they have been able to translate their manager’s ideas on the pitch to earn a well-deserved UEFA Champions League qualification.
Incredible achievement.
In their last 16 games, Bologna have only lost one match, and that was to Scudetto winners Inter.
12th highest wage in Serie A. Motta has created a wonderful team, and gotten the best out of players like Zirkzee, Calafiori, Ferguson and countless… pic.twitter.com/mvmnneCJej
— Italian Football News 🇮🇹 (@footitalia1) May 12, 2024
The Rossoblu have managed to be in the top four in Serie A throughout the season, losing just five fixtures throughout. Apart from the league, Bologna even impressed in the cup competition. They managed to progress to the quarter-finals in the Coppa Italia, eventually losing on penalties to Fiorentina. With the limited resources at his disposal, the results Thiago Motta has accomplished cannot be overlooked and are surely one of the biggest talking points of the 2023/24 season.
Thiago Motta’s Bologna future in jeopardy amidst Juventus interest
Amidst all the joy and excitement in the Bologna fanbase heading into the next season, there are concerns that the club’s association with Thiago Motta might not last for too long now. Unsurprisingly, the Italian is in high demand in the manager market, especially with several top clubs looking to alter their managerial positions.
❗️ | Di Marzio: “Barring any surprising changes, Thiago Motta will join Juventus. I think it’s hard to say no to Juventus, especially at this moment, with a new project that would start right under Thiago Motta’s influence.”
[@SkySport] pic.twitter.com/0sq5WCJgSp
— Juventus News Live (@juvenewslive) May 12, 2024
Juventus have emerged as the most suitable suitors to be Motta’s next destination. According to the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio, the Turin club is reportedly looking to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri and wants to him replace with Thiago Motta. The move is rumored to be in the advanced stages with a verbal agreement already sealed. It is widely expected in Italy that an official announcement regarding the switch is around the corner.