This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
Sinisa Mihajlovic, the 50-year-old manager of Italian football club Bologna, made a remarkable return to the dugout for his team's season opener against Verona on August 25, 2019, despite being treated for leukemia in hospital.
According to reports, Mihajlovic had been receiving treatment for the condition but was determined to continue with his duties at the club. His side, however, was forced to a 1-1 draw by Verona, who made a return to topflight football this season.
Bologna took the lead inside 15 minutes of the encounter via Nicola Sansone, who scored from the penalty spot. However, Miguel Veloso equalised for Verona from a free kick in the 37th minute.
Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini praised Mihajlovic's determination, saying, "The coach told us this week that he wasn't 100 percent so we didn't think we would have him with us. It was an incredible surprise." He added, "We were so happy and it gave us an extra boost. We're just sorry that we didn't give him the victory."
Mihajlovic has previously managed Italian teams including Sampdoria, AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Torino. He took charge of relegation-threatened Bologna halfway through the last season and led them to a 10th place finish.
