Vincenzo Italiano Receives the Golden Neptune: “We Will Go Down in History”

Bologna, May 23, 2025 – Mission accomplished. This is how Vincenzo Italiano underlined the victory of the Coppa Italia and more generally the season of his team in receiving the Nettuno d'Oro ( video ) from the hands of the mayor Matteo Lepore together with the Sports Councilor Roberta Li Calzi ( photo ). A “home delivery” award for the rossoblù coach who is not from Bologna but who perhaps has become a little by being captured and fascinated by the warmth of the city, at the stadium but also and especially away, with the exodus to Rome as the climax of a season to be framed.

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano received the Nettuno d'Oro from the hands of mayor Matteo Lepore together with Sports Councillor Roberta Li Calzi (photo Schicchi)

“It is an honor for me to receive this honor, ” explains the Karlsruhe coach, “also considering the illustrious predecessors. This award fills me with joy and I share it with all those who began this adventure, this mission because for us it was truly a mission, concluded and sealed with the victory of the Coppa Italia.” Italiano then continues to proudly highlight how the success of the Olimpico brought a great gift to the fans and to the city: “We managed to give great joy to the people of Bologna. In Rome I saw people cry, hugs between strangers. Since I arrived I have been happy with everyone, it has been a beautiful year and growing, even if it started with some difficulty. We will remain in history, we have given joy to a people who have pushed us since the first match.”

GALLERY Photos of the award ceremony in Casteldebole

Mayor Lepore explained the reasons and why Palazzo d'Accursio chose Italiano, starting with a joke that also eased some criticism: “I know there is a precedent for this type of award, once in the dressing room of the Pooh. Last year we gave it to the team, now we are back here, for next year we will have to come up with something different otherwise we cannot give you a Nettuno d'Oro every year (laughs, ed.). Usually this is an award that goes to the children of Bologna but given the inclusiveness and sense of community that distinguishes us, we have extended the recognition to those who have had civic merit for this city. This is why we chose Vincenzo Italiano. I cannot say anything about the choice to renew but I can say that our city is like a shirt that stays attached to you and even if in football everyone makes their own choices, I hope that is the case because Bologna loves you”. An afternoon of celebration therefore in Casteldebole before the championship epilogue against Genoa tomorrow at the Dall'Ara and the big party that will be held on Sunday in the streets of the center.