What Happened to Bologna FC 1909?
Bologna FC 1909, an Italian professional football club, has experienced a significant resurgence under Canadian owner Joey Saputo since 2014. After returning to Serie A in 2015, the club achieved historic milestones, including UEFA Champions League qualification in the 2023-24 season and winning the Coppa Italia in 2025, marking a new era of success and European participation.
Quick Answer
Bologna FC 1909 has undergone a remarkable transformation since Canadian businessman Joey Saputo acquired the club in 2014. Under his ownership, Bologna returned to Serie A in 2015 and, more recently, achieved a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League in the 2023-24 season. The club further cemented its success by winning the Coppa Italia in May 2025 and is currently competing in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in the 2025-26 season under head coach Vincenzo Italiano.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Club Founded
Bologna Football Club 1909 is founded by Emilio Arnstein in Bologna, Italy.
Acquisition by Joey Saputo-led Consortium
A North American group led by Joey Saputo and Joe Tacopina acquires a majority stake in Bologna FC 1909, aiming to stabilize the financially troubled club.
Joey Saputo Becomes Chairman
Joey Saputo assumes the role of chairman of Bologna FC 1909, taking full control of operations by 2015 after buying out his partner's shares.
Promotion Back to Serie A
Under the new ownership, Bologna secures promotion back to Serie A after a one-year stint in the second tier.
Thiago Motta Appointed Head Coach
Thiago Motta is appointed as the head coach of Bologna FC 1909, beginning a period of significant tactical and performance improvement for the club.
Thiago Motta Departs Bologna
Thiago Motta informs Bologna FC 1909 of his decision not to renew his contract, leading to his departure after a highly successful period.
Qualifies for UEFA Champions League
Bologna secures a top-five finish in Serie A for the 2023-24 season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1964-65.
Vincenzo Italiano Appointed Head Coach
Vincenzo Italiano is appointed as the new head coach of Bologna FC 1909, signing a contract until June 30, 2026, later extended to 2027.
Wins Coppa Italia
Bologna wins its third Coppa Italia title, and first since 1974, by defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final. This victory also secures qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League.
Vincenzo Italiano Contract Renewal
Vincenzo Italiano renews his contract with Bologna, extending his stay until 2027, amidst interest from other major clubs.
UEFA Europa League Quarter-finals
Bologna reaches the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League in the 2025-26 season, facing Aston Villa.
Current Serie A Standing
As of today, Bologna FC 1909 is in 9th place in the Serie A standings for the 2025-26 season, with 48 points from 34 matches. Their next match is against Cagliari.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Bologna Football Club 1909, a storied Italian club with a rich history including seven Serie A titles, faced significant financial challenges and multiple ownership changes in the early 2000s and 2010s, leading to a period of instability and relegation to Serie B. A pivotal turning point arrived on October 15, 2014, when a North American consortium led by Canadian businessman Joey Saputo acquired a majority stake in the club, with Saputo becoming chairman in November 2014. This acquisition brought much-needed financial stability and a long-term vision, culminating in Bologna's promotion back to Serie A in June 2015.
The Saputo era saw gradual improvements, but the club's true resurgence began with the appointment of Thiago Motta as head coach in September 2022. Motta implemented a distinctive, possession-based style of football that transformed Bologna into a formidable force. The 2023-24 season proved to be historic, as Bologna secured a remarkable 5th-place finish in Serie A, earning a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1964-65 season. This achievement was a testament to Motta's tactical prowess and the team's collective effort, establishing a new club record of 68 points.
Following this unprecedented success, Thiago Motta announced on May 23, 2024, his decision not to renew his contract with Bologna, subsequently moving to Juventus. Bologna swiftly appointed Vincenzo Italiano as the new head coach on June 5, 2024, signing a contract until June 2026, later renewed until 2027. Italiano continued the club's upward trajectory, leading Bologna to further glory in the 2024-25 season. On May 14, 2025, Bologna won their third Coppa Italia title, and their first since 1974, by defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final. This victory also secured their qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League.
As of May 3, 2026, Bologna FC 1909 is actively competing in the 2025-26 season under Vincenzo Italiano. The club has reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, facing Aston Villa in April 2026. In Serie A, Bologna holds the 9th position with 48 points from 34 matches, with a record of 14 wins, 6 draws, and 14 losses. The club continues to be owned by Joey Saputo, with a stable management structure and a squad featuring key players like Lewis Ferguson and Riccardo Orsolini. The club's recent successes have firmly re-established Bologna as a significant presence in Italian and European football.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Bologna FC 1909 made different choices?