Italiano leaves Bologna ahead of possible Napoli move

Vincenzo Italiano quit Bologna on Thursday after agreeing to terminate his contract with the Serie A club ahead of a rumoured move to Napoli following the departure of Antonio Conte.

"Bologna FC 1909 announces that a mutual agreement has been reached with Vincenzo Italiano to terminate his contract," said Bologna in a statement.

"Italiano informed the club that he believes his time at Bologna has come to an end after two seasons marked by excellent results."

The 48-year-old led Bologna to victory in the Italian Cup last year, the club's first major trophy since previously winning it in 1974.

Bologna missed out on European football this season after finishing eighth in Serie A, with a quarter-final exit from the Europa League at the hands of eventual winners Aston Villa.

Italiano is reportedly in a battle with Massimiliano Allegri, recently sacked by AC Milan, for the vacant post left at Napoli by Conte, who is in turn the favourite to take over the Italian national team.