Costacurta predicts Serie A title winner, gives transfer advice to Inter target | OneFootball

Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta is impressed by Vincenzo Italiano’s work at Bologna and feels Santiago Castro should stay at the Dall’Ara despite interest from Inter: ‘It’s the perfect place…’

Bologna are running for a Champions League spot this season after qualifying for Europe’s elite competition under Thiago Motta last season.

“I didn’t expect them to do so well,” Costacurta, a former Milan and Italy defender, told QS.

“After last season, they built solid foundations, suggesting they had moved to a higher tier. However, I would never have thought they’d replicate the same results. The most surprising thing is the quality of their play. It’s not something to take for granted after losing players like Calafiori, Zirkzee and Saelemaekers.”

Italiano is clearly playing a key role in Bologna’s success.

“I love him. I’ve been following him since he was at Trapani,” admitted Costacurta.

“There’s always been mutual respect between us, even as opponents. I think there’s something special between the city and the team, in addition to the excellent work of the management.”

Santiago Castro’s excellent performances at the Dall’Ara helped him make his Argentina debut during the March break, and the 20-year-old has already been linked with a move to Inter.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 27: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Bologna and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 27, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

However, Costacurta believes the Argentine should remain at Bologna.

“Otherwise, he’d end up on the bench behind Lautaro and Thuram,” he noted.

“I believe Bologna is the perfect place for him to grow, which also applies to Ndoye, Odgaard and Italiano.”

Bologna’s ex-coach Motta was fired after just nine months at Juventus.

“He wasn’t able to create the special chemistry he had built at Bologna,” Costacurta argued.

“Neither he nor the team were convincing in offering a new style of play. The spark never ignited at Juventus.”

Lastly, the ex-Italian defender proved to have clear ideas on the Serie A title winners this season.

“Until three months ago, Atalanta seemed to be heading for the title as Inter had slowed down. Twenty days ago, even Juventus were mentioned. In the end, I think Inter will win because they have the strongest squad,” Costacurta concluded.

Bologna sit 4th in the Serie A table and have won four consecutive matches, including a stunning 5-0 win against direct rivals Lazio before the international break in March.