Bologna's crisis after four defeats contrasts with Tedesco's glory

Bologna have dismissed the 41‑year‑old Domenico Tedesco after only four matchdays. The club, which has one point from twelve, saw the abyss approaching after a 1‑0 defeat to Napoli, where the former national team coach of the Red Devils was blamed.

With 1 point from 12, Bologna sit just above the relegation threat in Serie A, with Arthur Theate and Samuel Mbangula as two Belgians on the payroll.

The 1‑0 loss to the Napoli of Kevin De Bruyne was the proverbial last straw; the Italian German was not on Napoli’s bench, because he was suspended for ‘extremely disrespectful behaviour’.

In the subsequent match against Sassuola, Tedesco received a red card in the 94th minute after verbally attacking the referee, after which his tirade continued in the dressing room.

Italian dominance in Bologna puts pressure on the Red Devils' chances

Tedesco’s past with the Red Devils

Tedesco took the helm at Bologna only this summer, after a season at Fenerbahçe, while he was national team coach of the Red Devils between February 2023 and January 2025.

The former national team coach of the Red Devils now pays the price for the weak start to the competition of the Italian mid‑table side.

Consequences and future outlook

CEO Peter Willems was dismissed by the football association after a conflict with federation chairman Pascale Van Damme; Vincent Mannaert is mentioned as a possible successor.

Italian resurgence presses Turkey and puts the Red Devils under pressure

The contrast between Tedesco’s glory with the Red Devils and his rapid downfall at Bologna underscores how fragile success can be in top‑level football.