The 40-year-old Italian-German coach, who was sacked by Fenerbahçe in April, will take charge for the 2026-27 season in his first managerial role in Italian football. Bologna finished eighth in Serie A this season and will not be competing in European football next year.
Tedesco was born in Rossano, Calabria, but moved to Germany as a child and built his entire coaching career there and internationally. He made his name at Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig before taking the Belgium national team job in February 2023, guiding the Red Devils to Euro 2024 but suffering a round-of-16 exit.
He was dismissed in January 2025 following poor Nations League results and a breakdown in relations with several senior players, most notably Romelu Lukaku.
He joined Fenerbahçe in September 2025, replacing José Mourinho, and won the Turkish Super Cup in January before being let go at the end of April with the club short of domestic targets.
Italiano, who led Bologna to a Coppa Italia title last season, departed by mutual consent on Thursday after both parties agreed the cycle had run its course. He left without a pre-existing agreement elsewhere.
Tedesco inherits a squad that includes several players linked with moves this summer. The appointment signals Bologna's intent to maintain the progressive identity built under Italiano while bringing a coach with significant experience at Bundesliga and international level.