When Vincenzo Italiano took over as Bologna manager last summer, many viewed it as a “mission impossible”. Following Thiago Motta’s departure and the loss of key players like Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori to the Premier League, expectations were low. However, Italiano has defied the odds, leading Bologna to fourth place in Serie A and into genuine contention for Champions League qualification.

“Many people called me crazy when I signed for Bologna,” Italiano revealed in a recent interview. “Everyone thought this would be an impossible task. Bologna had often disappointed in previous seasons, and this was considered the hottest seat in football.”

Despite the challenges, Italiano felt reassured after speaking with club officials. “I knew there would be difficulties, but I had the right people alongside me to avoid major mistakes,” he explained.

Italiano likened his approach to tending an orange tree: “Sowing is easier than harvesting. The harvest translates into objectives: the Coppa Italia, maybe even reaching the final; and in the league, aiming as high as possible. Seeing the fruits depends on many factors. Now, humility is key.”

The manager highlighted convincing the team of their potential as his toughest task. “Being credible and getting them on my side didn’t happen immediately,” he admitted.

Italiano cited Bologna’s Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund as his finest moment so far. “I saw people celebrating as if we had won the Champions League,” he recalled. “It felt like we had lifted the trophy – only the street parades were missing.”

Looking ahead, Italiano dreams of leading Bologna to the Coppa Italia final. “Imagining bringing 30-35,000 Bologna fans to Rome in my first year would be an incredible dream for all of us – something priceless,” he said.

As Bologna enters the final stretch of the season, Italiano remains focused on maintaining the team’s unity and positive momentum. With tough matches ahead in both the league and Coppa Italia, he believes their recent 5-0 victory over Lazio exemplifies the squad’s cohesion and potential.