Bologna fans enjoyed a superb 2023/24 season. The Italian club finished on 5th position in Serie A and achieved Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. It has been a collective effort from all players and manager to achieve this feat. However the joy of Bologna fans started to disappear as their Thiago Motta announced his departure. The 41 year old manager has been announced as the head coach of Juventus. Following Motta, two other stars are set to bid their farewell to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Bologna finished the 2023/24 season on 5th position in Serie A. Firstly, the club won 18 fixtures, drew 14 and lost only 6 out of the total 38 fixtures. Motta’s side scored 54 goals and conceded 32, earning them +22 goal difference. Due to the new UEFA Champions league format, Serie A were five spots in the next seasons competition. Bologna finished above Roma with a 5 points difference and creating history.
Two of the players who played an important role in achieve this feat are Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori. The duo is headed to Premier League in this summer transfer. Former Bologna superstar Fabio Poli reflected his thoughts on these away moves. Poli said that every player is replaceable except for Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. In addition, he said that Zirkzee could get replaced more easily than Calafiori.
Bologna boss announces his departure after two years at the club
Thiago Motta joined Bologna in 2022 from Spezia. In his first season with Seria A side, Motta helped the club to finish on 9th position with 54 points. In addition he won Coach of the month award in February 2023. The 2023/24 season was even better for Motta as he managed to earn 68 points and achieve 5th position with Bologna. Motta has 46% win percentage with Bologna averaging 1.7 points per match. However on 12 June 2024, it was announced that Juventus have offered Motta job as new head coach. He signed a three year contract with Italian giants.
Joshua Zirkzee close to join Man United
Joshua Zirkzee enjoyed a very good 2023/24 season. The Dutchman scored 12 goals alongs with providing 6 assists in 37 appearances for Bologna across all competitions. In fact, 11 goals and 4 assists out of those came in Serie A which shows how important Zirkzee had been behind Bologna’s success. However the Dutchman is now set to bid his farewell to the Italian side.
Manchester United are reported very close to achieve the services of the 23 year old striker. According to iNews, United are hoping to complete the signing of Zirkzee along with his Netherlands teammate Matthijs De Ligt within the next week. Bologna’s director Giovanni Sartori has already said that Zirkzee will 99% leave the club. Along with Zirkzee, Riccardo Calafiori is set to join Premier League side too.
Riccardo Calafiori wants Arsenal move
Riccardo Calafiori has been the most important player for Bologna and his departure will leave a huge void in Italian side’s defense. Calafiori joined Bologna from FC Basel last year. The 22 year old defender made 30 Serie A appearances for Bologna and scored 2 goals along with providing 5 assists. Along with high quality defense, Calafiori helped team offensively whenever he can. His versatility earned him a place in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad.
Calafiori’s performances in Euro 2024 caught eyes of English giants Arsenal. The Gunners are impressed by Calafiori’s play on the left side of the defense. In addition, what makes the deal easy for Arsenal is Calafiori’s wish to join Mikel Arteta’s side. However no negotiations have been reported as of yet and Calafiori is still a Bologna player.
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