Vincenzo Italiano leaves Bologna, rejects Milan and joins Besiktas

Vincenzo Italiano, the former Bologna head coach, confirmed his departure from the Italian club was driven by the lack of European competition rather than any offer from Napoli. He stated he could have stayed but chose to end the “mini‑cycle” after winning the Coppa Italia. Shortly after, he accepted the role of head coach at Turkish side Besiktas, describing the club’s organisation, training facilities and atmosphere as “top‑class” and “exciting”. Italiano also disclosed that he turned down an approach from AC Milan, saying the emotions he experienced after the recent trophy were still too strong to abandon. He expressed confidence in Besiktas’s project, noting ambitions to compete in European tournaments and to challenge dominant clubs such as Galatasaray.