Francesca Menarini has become the first female president of Serie ABologna.

Menarini is now the second female in charge of an Italian top-flight club after Roma's Rosella Sensi.

Bologna have also made history by handing the reins to 44-year-old Menarini, while her father Renzo becomes the general manager.

"I am honoured and proud to be the first female President in the history of Bologna, the 25th President in almost 100 years of the club.

"For a woman, the chance to express oneself in a typically male environment like football should be further motivation. After all, other industries that until recently were dominated by men now have women in positions of power.

"I hope there will be more female Presidents in football and sport in general. I haven't spoken to Sensi yet, but I will call her to ask some advice."

The change in the board comes after their family company, Cogei, went from minority shareholders to buying out the club from previous patron Alfredo Cazzola.

"We are the owners of Bologna's shares, but the squad belongs to the city and that is how we wish to run it," she said.

"Our primary objectives are to consolidate the team's position in Serie A, so slowly build towards more ambitious targets.

"We wish to strengthen the youth system both in terms of nurturing talent and creating a new sense of sporting behaviour in the future generations.

"We also want to allow fans to see Bologna whatever their circumstances, so we are working on new ticket prices for schools and those who need a little help financially, as well as a new stadium owned by the club."