Another offer for Kimi Antonelli: Everyone wants him

Invitations are pouring in by the truckload for the new Formula 1 world champion: one has even arrived from Bologna, with the Rossoblù coach, Raffaele Palladino, acting as spokesperson. “We’re all thrilled about his triumph; we extend our congratulations to him and his staff. I’d love for him to come visit us at the training center and the stadium—we’ll welcome him with open arms,” emphasizes the former Monza manager, Fiorentina and Atalanta, whom the Bologna club brought in after the season had already begun, following the end—not without regret—of the lackluster stint under Domenico Tedesco.

The new world champion is Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes driver from Bologna who claimed the world title at just twenty years old. Meanwhile, he shows no signs of slowing down: at Interlagos, in the São Paulo Grand Prix, after finishing second behind Lando Norris in FP1, he topped FP2 with a time of 1’10″763, edging out Norris by 253 thousandths and Max Verstappen by 259. It was a lackluster day for Ferrari, however, as they failed to make the top five: Hamilton was sixth, 450 thousandths behind the leader, and Leclerc was seventh, 720 thousandths behind. Bernie Ecclestone also weighed in on Antonelli’s future, convinced that the driver will soon move to Ferrari: “Kimi’s heart beats for Italy,” the former F1 boss told F1-Insider.

Palladino’s tenure as the Rossoblù’s head coach began in September, when he replaced Tedesco, who was dismissed after four matchdays following a start that included three losses and one draw—the draw coming against Sassuolo in stoppage time. His debut was a 1-1 draw at the Dall’Ara against Torino, with a goal by Bernardeschi and an equalizer by Kulenovic after a blunder by Skorupski, leaving Bologna in 17th place with two points. For the coach from Mugnano, this marks the third time he’s taken over a team mid-season in his still-young career, following stints at Monza and Atalanta.

Since then, the team has been on a clear upward trajectory: after earning just two points in the first five matchdays, the Rossoblù have picked up nine points in the following four games. Their latest victory came on Saturday, October 31, against Monza—a 2-1 comeback win at the Dall’Ara, with a goal by Pobega and a penalty kick by Bernardeschi, after the visitors had taken an early lead via a penalty kick by Varela. In the closing minutes, Skorupski saved Cutrone’s penalty, and the win propelled Bologna—at least for one night—into the top ten of the standings.

Now the Rossoblù are set to face Parma in the Emilia derby at the Tardini, which will also be an opportunity to take a closer look at a Gialloblù talent: Technical Director Giovanni Sartori reportedly has his sights set on Argentine midfielder Christian Ordonez, born in 2004, who arrived in Emilia in 2025 for 10 million euros. Bologna, which could part ways with Nikola Moro this winter, might make a move in January for a player Palladino likes, as he seeks more options in midfield.