Bologna cut ties with coach Colomba

Bologna FC have parted company with coach Franco Colomba on the eve of their first Serie A game of the season at home against Italian and European champions FC Internazionale Milano.

"We came to Bologna with a long-term project based on a squad with several young players," explained new Bologna president Sergio Porcedda. "Initially, we wanted a new coach but then we had the chance to get to know Colomba better and changed our minds. Unfortunately, we finally understood that he did not fully share our vision. We want a coach who is eager to work with youngsters and we will announce his name by Wednesday. We took this decision today in order to give Colomba the chance to find another team to work for this season."

Colomba, 55, spent much of his playing career with Bologna and returned to the club to replace Giuseppe Papadopulo last season, before helping the side avoid relegation. Youth-team coach Paolo Magnani will now sit on the bench against Inter and take over coaching duties until Colomba's successor is appointed.