Thiago Motta has decided not to extend his contract with Bologna, according to an announcement from the Serie A club on Thursday. The former Italy international is expected to join Juventus, as reported by Italian media.
Motta’s leadership at Bologna has been remarkable, guiding the team to their first-ever Champions League qualification in his second season. His success has captured the attention of top European clubs.
“Thiago Motta informed the club this morning of his decision not to renew his contract with Bologna FC 1909,” read a club statement. “We acknowledge his decision, thank him for his extraordinary contributions, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Motta is anticipated to replace Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus, who was dismissed last week. Allegri’s conduct during and after the Coppa Italia final victory over Atalanta was deemed “incompatible with the values of Juventus” by the club.
Following Allegri’s departure, Paolo Montero managed Juventus in their 3-3 draw with Bologna on Monday. Currently, Motta’s team is third in the standings, edging Juventus on goal difference as the season approaches its final weekend.
Initially met with skepticism when he succeeded Sinisa Mihajlovic in September 2022, Motta quickly won over Bologna fans with his possession-based football and aggressive pressing style. Despite a challenging start at Genoa and a brief stint at Spezia, where he ensured Serie A survival, Motta’s impact at Bologna has been significant. After a slow start, he led the team to a ninth-place finish last season.
This season, Bologna has been a standout team, losing only five games compared to twelve defeats last season. Conversely, Juventus struggled to sustain their Scudetto challenge against Inter Milan, with only two wins in their last sixteen league games. Bologna will face Genoa on Friday, while Juventus will host Monza on Saturday.
