Bologna Nears Contract Extension with Coach Italiano Despite Milan Interest

Vincenzo Italiano, the Bologna head coach who led the club to its first major trophy in 51 years by winning the Coppa Italia, is close to extending his contract with Bologna until 2027 or 2028, with a salary reportedly rising to around €3 million per season including bonuses. Despite interest from AC Milan and Inter, both clubs have been reassured by Bologna's CEO Claudio Fenucci that the intention is for Italiano to remain at the club, with contract negotiations progressing well but still requiring final details to be settled. Italiano has expressed enthusiasm for continuing his project at Bologna, with assurances from the club that they aim to maintain a competitive squad and reinvest resources from player sales to strengthen the team. The extension would add one or two years to his current deal, which was set to expire in 2026, reflecting mutual interest in a long-term partnership. While Milan had considered Italiano as a candidate to replace Sergio Conceiçao, recent statements from Bologna’s CEO suggest that the coach's future lies firmly with the Rossoblu. Overall, both club and coach appear eager to build on recent successes and continue competing for European qualification.