Former Bologna coach Italiano has officially taken over as manager of Besiktas, with his term lasting until 2028.

Besiktas Football Club officially announced that Vincenzo Itagliano has succeeded Sergen Jalchin as the first-team head coach, effective immediately. The two parties signed a two-year contract, valid until June 30, 2028.

According to several Italian journalists, including Alfredo Pedulla, Italiano's annual salary at Besiktas was €6 million after tax.

This move to take over Besiktas means Itagiano will be coaching outside of Italy for the first time. He previously managed São Paulo Vigundina, Arcignano, Trapani, Spezia, and Fiorentina, and will succeed Thiago Motta as manager of Bologna in June 2024.

During his time managing Bologna, Italiano achieved a record of 47 wins, 29 draws, and 31 losses. He also led the team to a miraculous victory in the 2024/25 Italian Cup and reached the quarterfinals of this season's Europa League.

After completing the signing, Italiano said at the press conference: "I thank the president and sporting director for giving me a great opportunity to showcase my skills at a great club. I am very grateful for their trust in me and what they said to me during our first meeting."

“I am very happy to join Besiktas. It is crucial for a coach to feel recognized and valued by the club. I also feel that the club is determined to achieve great things. As someone with similar ambition, choosing to join this project was very easy for me.”

“I believe the club’s needs align perfectly with the football philosophy I’ve championed in Bologna, Fiorentina, and Spezia. It’s an aggressive style of football, one that requires us to play more aggressively, fully utilize our wingers, and strive for frequent goals. Everything they’re asking for is exactly what I do best, and I hope to demonstrate my abilities again, just like I have in the past few years. So let’s see how things unfold. We will work together to achieve our goals.”

“I am full of confidence in the future. Football is my life, something I think about all day long. My only thought is to do my job well, just like I have been doing in recent years. I have no reason not to believe that we can create something great together.”

“I’ve been following the Turkish Super League closely since I was in Italy, so I have some knowledge of it. I know there are many strong teams in the Turkish Super League, such as Sivasspor, Basaksel, and Galatasaray. That’s why I hope to start working as soon as possible and lead the team to prepare for facing these strong teams.”

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