Bologna have officially appointed Raffaele Palladino as their new head coach, confirming the move in a club statement on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The appointment comes immediately after Bologna parted ways with Domenico Tedesco following just four Serie A matches of the new season.
Table of Contents
Why Tedesco Was Sacked
Tedesco’s brief spell in charge lasted only four Serie A matches, leaving Bologna in 16th place with just a single point to their name. The team suffered 1-0 defeats to Lazio, Atalanta, and Napoli, with their only goals of the season coming in a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo in early September. In its statement, Bologna thanked Tedesco for his professionalism and competence during his short stint at the club.
Bologna’s decision makes Tedesco the second Serie A head coach to lose his job in the early weeks of the 2026-27 season, following Fiorentina’s dismissal of Fabio Grosso, who was subsequently replaced by the returning Paolo Vanoli.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Head Coach | Raffaele Palladino |
| Age | 41 |
| Club | Bologna |
| Previous Coach | Domenico Tedesco (sacked) |
| Tedesco’s Tenure | 4 matches, since June 2026 |
| Contract Length | Reported three years, until 30 June 2029 |
| Bologna’s League Position | 16th in Serie A |
| Points From 4 Matches | 1 |
| First Match in Charge | Home vs Torino |
Palladino’s Contract and Immediate Plans
Bologna have handed Palladino what has been widely reported as a three-year contract running until 30 June 2029, though at least one report described the terms slightly differently, as an initial two-year deal with a further option year dependent on sporting targets being met.
Palladino was set to take his first training session at Bologna’s Casteldebole training centre on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of his first match in charge at home against Torino. That fixture comes just before Serie A breaks for an extended September-October international window.
Palladino’s Managerial Background
Palladino began his coaching career with Monza’s youth setup before being promoted to first-team manager in 2022, guiding the club to consecutive top-flight finishes before leaving in June 2024. He then joined Fiorentina, leading the club to a sixth-place finish, its best league position since 2016, and Conference League qualification, before departing by mutual consent at the end of that season.
He most recently managed Atalanta, having been appointed there following Ivan Juric’s dismissal, before making the move to Bologna as his next challenge in Serie A.
What Bologna Are Hoping For
Bologna’s hierarchy is understood to be counting on Palladino’s tactical flexibility to help stabilise the team defensively while pushing them back toward a stronger position in the Serie A table. The club also strengthened its attack over the summer by bringing in striker Artem Dovbyk on loan from Roma, giving Palladino attacking reinforcements to work with as he begins his tenure.
Read More: OFFICIAL: Todd Boehly Exits Chelsea After 4 Years as Chairman
FAQs
Why did Bologna sack Domenico Tedesco?
Tedesco was dismissed after just four Serie A matches, with Bologna sitting 16th in the table with only one point.
What contract has Raffaele Palladino signed with Bologna?
Reports indicate a three-year contract running until 30 June 2029, though one report described it as a two-year deal with an additional option year.
Which clubs did Raffaele Palladino manage before Bologna?
He previously managed Monza, Fiorentina, and most recently Atalanta.
When will Raffaele Palladino take charge of his first Bologna match?
His first match in charge will be a home fixture against Torino, ahead of the international break.
Where does Bologna currently sit in the Serie A table?
Bologna were 16th in Serie A at the time of the coaching change, having collected just one point from their opening four matches.
