Roberto De Zerbi abandoned negotiations with Bologna out of respect for Sinisa Mihajlovic.
Thiago Motta seems on the verge of taking over at the Stadio Dall’Ara, but former Sassuolo boss De Zerbi was Bologna’s first option for the bench.
However, De Zerbi abandoned talks with Bologna as he didn’t want to succeed Mihajlovic in such a difficult moment of his life.
Reports on Italian media were confirmed by Mihajlovic’s wife Arianna on Instagram.
“Two great men, I hope youths will learn from these two giants,” she wrote, adding a picture of Mihajlovic and De Zerbi smiling, with quotes from the ex-Sassuolo boss.
‘I’d like, but I can’t do it after Sinisa. Money can’t buy everything.’
Mihajlovic was formally dismissed on Tuesday after collecting just three points in the opening five Serie A games.
It caused outrage in Italy as the 53-year-old is battling leukaemia for the second time in three years. It was first diagnosed in 2019, months after his appointment as Bologna boss, but the disease dramatically returned in March when Mihajlovic began a new cycle of treatment.
Bologna president Joey Saputo confirmed Mihajlovic’s sacking earlier this week, saying that it was the most difficult decision he took at the helm of the club.
De Zerbi you’re a real man. You earn my respect today.
DeZerbi is a true BOSS, Italians should look up to him your time to shine will come soon
First not leaving Ukraine before making sure his player’s are safe and now this. He earned my utmost respect.
That’s a great statement. I hope you have a great career. Respect!