Bologna dismisses Tedesco, Witsel ends international career

In the shadow of the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara there is unrest: International football news reports that Bologna have dismissed coach Domenico Tedesco after only a few weeks, while Axel Witsel simultaneously announced his retirement from the Belgian national team. The decisions mark a surprising turning point for both sides.

Changes on the sidelines

The club announced at the right moment that Raffaele Palladino will be appointed as the new head coach. The statement comes from Michele Maraviglia, who confirmed the immediate replacement of Tedesco.

Tedesco had collected only one point in the first four games, a result that fell far short of the club's expectations. As a result, Bologna were clearly lagging behind their rivals.

At the beginning of the month, Tedesco lost his temper in the stoppage‑time period of the 2‑2 draw against Sassuolo and verbally insulted the referee. The squad continued the confrontation in the dressing room, for which the league handed him a two‑match suspension.

Axel Witsel, 37, announced his retirement after nineteen years wearing Belgium's shirt. In a post on social media he wrote that it was time to make room for the youngsters and the new generation.

His last international match came in the summer at the World Cup, the quarter‑final against Spain, which Belgium lost 1‑2. That game was his 140th appearance for the national side.

Witsel made his debut in 2008 and was one of the reliable figures of Belgium's golden generation. With 140 caps he sits behind Jan Vertonghen (157) in second place for national team appearances.