Motta to leave Bologna, reportedly set to join Juventus

Thiago Motta will leave Bologna at the end of the season, the Serie A club announced on Thursday, after a remarkable campaign that has caught the attention of Juventus.

The former Italy midfielder will not renew his contract, which expires at the end of June, after two successful years in charge. Motta guided Bologna to a historic Champions League qualification this season, marking their first entry into Europe’s top competition since 1964 when they last won the league title.

“This morning Thiago Motta informed the club that he would not renew his contract,” Bologna said in a statement. “The club thanks the coach for his extraordinary work and offers him best wishes for the rest of his career.”

Motta is widely speculated to replace Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus.

Allegri was dismissed following an incident during Juventus’ Italian Cup victory last week, which the club deemed incompatible with its values. Allegri was sent off for ranting at officials in the final minutes of their 1-0 win against Atalanta and allegedly manhandled the chief editor of Tuttosport.

Despite his recent controversy, Allegri boasts an impressive record with Juventus, having won 12 trophies, including five Serie A titles, and reaching two Champions League finals over two tenures as manager.

(Source: AFP)