Former Bologna goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca is backing his old club to qualify for Europe this season.

Pagliuca also hopes Thiago Motta will remain as coach next term.

He told Tuttosport: "This year I think it's the right time to see Bologna back in Europe. I don't know if it will be the Conference or Europa League, maybe something more.

"We don't put limits on the kids, this team certainly has all the means to return to playing an international competition after 25 years."

Asked if Motta is capable of coaching at a higher level, Pagliuca added: "Certainly yes, because he is very good, although as a Bolognese I hope that Motta stays here for another year.

"What I like about Thiago, in addition to the way he works very well on the pitch, is that he never speaks out of turn. And then we shouldn't forget the great work done by Giovanni Sartori on the market: with (Beppe) Marotta he is the best Italian manager around."