Dovbyk Explains Roma Exit: ‘I Chose Bologna for the Club’s Ambition’

FolioPitch.com – 01 August 2026 | Artem Dovbyk has opened up about his departure from Roma, revealing that he chose Bologna for the club’s ambition and the compelling vision presented by new head coach Domenico Tedesco. The Ukrainian striker’s move to the Dall’Ara came as part of a swap deal that saw Santiago Castro head in the opposite direction, and Dovbyk has now shed light on the factors that convinced him to leave the Italian capital.

In an interview with Bologna’s official channels, Dovbyk explained Roma exit and made it clear that he chose Bologna for the club’s ambition rather than any negative feelings toward his former side. ‘I chose Bologna thanks to the sporting directors and also to the coach, Domenico Tedesco,’ said the 28-year-old. ‘He asked me just one question: Do you want to play for Bologna? I said yes, and then we had a chat where he explained the project and the ambition of a club that wants to achieve excellent results this season.’

The forward’s time in Rome was challenging, marked by inconsistent form and intense scrutiny. Dovbyk arrived from Girona as La Liga’s top scorer, but he struggled to replicate that form in the capital. Now, he sees Bologna as the ideal place for a relaunch, a club that has built a reputation for nurturing strikers and helping them reach new heights. ‘I know that several strikers who’ve played here have improved a lot,’ Dovbyk noted. ‘I’ll just try to help the team by scoring as many goals as possible. I’m ambitious and eager to play, and I want to get back to my top condition.’

Dovbyk’s decision to join Bologna is rooted in the club’s steady rise under the ownership of Joey Saputo and the sporting leadership that has made shrewd moves in recent transfer windows. Bologna have qualified for European competition and are looking to push further, a project that genuinely excites Dovbyk. This season, the club aims to mix it with Italy’s best, and the arrival of a proven goal scorer like Dovbyk signals their intent. As he put it, ‘Dovbyk explains Roma exit and I chose Bologna for the club’s ambition’ – a phrase that captures his mindset perfectly.

From a tactical perspective, Domenico Tedesco’s approach appears to have been a major influence. Known for his direct communication and clear positional play, Tedesco has outlined a role for Dovbyk that plays to his strengths: running in behind, finishing clinically, and linking up with the creative midfielders behind him. The striker praised the coach’s honesty and the clarity of his plans. In a world where many negotiations are clouded by ambiguity, Tedesco’s simple, direct question was refreshing and effective.

Bologna’s record in developing strikers is impressive. Names like Marko Arnautovic, Joshua Zirkzee, and even current forwards have all improved under the guidance of the club’s coaching staff. For Dovbyk, this is an appealing prospect. He arrives with the pressure of expectation, but also with the belief that he can rediscover his golden touch. The Ukrainian international scored 24 goals in his final season at Girona, and Bologna fans will be hoping he can bring that same lethal instinct to Serie A on a consistent basis.

Dovbyk also spoke warmly about his first impressions of his new teammates and the atmosphere at the training ground. ‘My first impressions are of a very united group, almost like a family,’ he said. ‘Everyone fights for one another, and there are players with excellent individual qualities. I’ve often played against Bologna, and they were always difficult games.’ This sense of unity could be exactly what the forward needs to thrive. A settled, supportive environment is often crucial for a player regaining confidence, and Bologna is renowned for its team spirit.

The transfer itself was orchestrated quickly, with both clubs agreeing to the player exchange deal. Roma needed a striker with a different profile, while Bologna sought a proven goal scorer to lead their attack. Castro’s return to the capital – the Argentine had previously been at Roma – helped balance the books and provide a solution for both teams. Dovbyk’s move to Bologna is a fresh start for all parties involved, and he arrives with a point to prove.

For Dovbyk, the decision was never really about money or prestige. It was about finding a place where he feels wanted and valued. At Bologna, he has found a project that matches his own ambitions. ‘I chose Bologna for the club’s ambition,’ he reiterated – a statement that leaves no room for doubt. The club’s desire to achieve excellent results this season, combined with Tedesco’s faith in his abilities, sealed the deal.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Dovbyk to see if he can deliver. His pedigree suggests he will, and Bologna’s system seems tailor-made for his skill set. The fans at the Dall’Ara have a new talisman, and Dovbyk is determined to repay their faith. With the backing of his coach and teammates, he is ready to write the next chapter of his career in rossoblu.

In conclusion, Artem Dovbyk’s move to Bologna is a calculated step towards reviving a career that had stalled in Rome. His clear explanation that he chose Bologna for the club’s ambition highlights the changing dynamics in Italian football, where a club like Bologna can now compete for top talent. For Dovbyk, this is not a step down; it is a step forward into an environment where he can flourish. The striker’s determination to get back to his best bodes well for Bologna’s season, and his partnership with Tedesco could be one of the stories of the campaign.