Lapo Elkann, one of the heirs to the Agnelli fortune, has fuelled rumours that former Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic’s health has taken a turn for the worse.
“A hug to a friend who I love very much: Sinisa Mihajlovic,” wrote Elkann on social media.
“I hope the affection of so many of us reaches you and your family!! I love you and hope to see you soon.”
Elkann is the cousin of Juventus President Andrea Agnelli and has long been a presence around the Bianconeri.
Mihajlovic was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2019 and had months of treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
He never stopped working, communicating with his staff and squad via videolink from his hospital room.
Tests showed the illness had returned in the Spring of 2022 and he had further treatment.
Bologna sacked him on September 6 after a difficult start to the season, which saw the team amass only three Serie A draws and two defeats.
There have been rumours over the last few days that Mihajlovic’s condition has deteriorated, although he was spotted at the presentation of a book written by his former Lazio coach Zdenek Zeman earlier this week.
The 53-year-old Serbian spent most of his career in Italy as first player at Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter, then coach with Bologna, Catania, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Milan and Torino.