Italiano: Many said I was crazy taking Bologna job

Many interviewed Italiano to take the course when he succeeded Thiago Motta, who had led Bologna to a historic Champions League qualification.

But after a rocky start, Italiano Bologna has back on the rails.

He reminded himself of La Gazzetta Dello Sport: “Many (called me) because over the years Bologna had often had disappointing seasons.

“Everyone thought that this would be a 'mission impossible' – that is in fact exactly what the messages I received said. This was considered the hottest bank in football.

“What did I answer? After talking to everyone in the club, I felt reassured. I knew there would be difficulties, as there were, but I had the right people next to me to prevent too many … making mistakes.

“Football is like an orange tree. Sowing is simpler than harvesting, and the harvest translates into objectives: the Coppa Italia, a semi -final, perhaps even a final; and in the competition, focused as high as possible.

“Sowing cost us for a moment, but seeing the fruits depends on the climate, the water, the insects, the sun, the rain. Now the keyword will be humility.”