Besiktas’ special tribute to Italiano as coach wins fans’ hearts

Vincenzo Italiano has already become an idol at Besiktas, with the Turkish club giving him a special tribute after their 4-1 win over Marseille by playing Toto Cutugno’s iconic hit ‘L’Italiano.’

Former Fiorentina and Bologna coach Italiano has had a fantastic start to his Besiktas career, grabbing ten wins from his first 12 games in charge.

Last night, he made his Europa League debut with the Turkish side, securing an emphatic 4-1 home win against Olympique Marseille.

Italiano is already a Besiktas idol

Viral videos circulating on social media show Besiktas fans chanting Italiano’s name during the match as the 48-year-old coach passionately patrolled the touchline.

At the end of the match, Italiano also received a special, funny tribute from the club as the speakers at Besiktas Park played the iconic Toto Cutugno song ‘L’Italiano’.

A former Trapani, Spezia, Fiorentina and Bologna coach, Italiano signed for Besiktas last summer after a two-year spell with the Rossoblu.

During his spell at the Dall’Ara, Italiano guided Bologna to a historic Coppa Italia triumph in 2024-25, ending the club’s 51-year wait for a major domestic trophy.