The Calcio Commentary: Remarkable Bologna Manager Italiano Poised for Greater Achievements

Vincenzo Italiano continues to impress. Taking over the reins at Bologna from Thiago Motta was undoubtedly a bold move, especially given the widespread scepticism surrounding it. Motta had set a extraordinarily high standard, making the task of replicating last season’s success appear nearly unattainable.

Nevertheless, Italiano has taken on the challenge with enthusiasm, guiding his team to sixth place with 47 points and 12 victories this season. The latest achievement, a thrilling 2-1 comeback against Cagliari, reflected both Bologna’s tenacity and Italiano’s tactical brilliance.

Cagliari initially led through Roberto Piccoli’s opener, but within the span of ten minutes, Riccardo Orsolini changed the tide of the match, first netting the equaliser and then sealing the victory with a second goal.

This moment was pivotal for Orsolini, one of Bologna’s key players in recent years, who has struggled this season to make the sort of impact that both he and the club had anticipated.

This victory, far from a certainty, further demonstrates the exceptional work Italiano has accomplished—a coach who is as talented as he is perhaps underappreciated.

His results are a testament not only to this season’s performance but to his entire managerial career. At every club he has led, he has surpassed expectations, providing more than what was originally called for.

Time and again, he has guided his teams to finals and semifinals that many thought were out of reach.

Yet, among casual fans—those who only casually follow football and may only watch finals—he faces an unfair assessment regarding the finals he lost with Fiorentina. However, reaching those finals was already a remarkable achievement in its own right.

For certain clubs, the primary focus is on winning trophies; anything less is perceived as a shortcoming. Nevertheless, for clubs not accustomed to contending for European or domestic accolades, simply making it to a final is a significant achievement.

No one expected Italiano to lead Fiorentina to three finals, yet he managed to do just that. While he may not have secured the wins, the accomplishment itself is noteworthy.

Now with Bologna, he faces a different challenge: maintaining the club’s upward momentum despite losing key players like Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee, both crucial last season. In spite of these challenges, Bologna remains firmly in the hunt for European qualification.

Despite having a squad that is potentially less robust than last year’s and the extra demands of European competition, he has steered his team to the Coppa Italia semi-finals, where they will meet Empoli with a shot at reaching another final.

Once again, Italiano is confirming his place among the elite coaches in Serie A. Sooner or later, his quality will be universally acknowledged. For now, he enjoys the backing of the supporters at his current club.

At this moment, it’s Bologna, but by the season’s end, who can say where he might be? A coach of his calibre is well-equipped to take on any squad in Serie A.

Take Roma, for instance; they may soon be in need of a new manager. Italiano could be the ideal candidate. There may be interest from Inter, Napoli, and Milan as well. Whoever it may be, Italiano is prepared.