'Exceptional courage': Cancer-stricken Mihajlovic on bench but Bologna held by Verona

A cap on his head and wearing a Bologna shirt, coach Sinisa Mihajlovic courageously joined his players for their Serie A opener in Verona on Sunday despite undergoing treatment for leukaemia.

It was a personal victory for the Serb, but the match ended 1-1 with Bologna settling for a point despite promoted Verona finishing the match with ten men.

Mihajlovic was diagnosed with "acute leukaemia" six weeks ago but the 50-year-old has continued working as Bologna coach.

His presence at the game in Verona has come as a surprise as he has been hospitalised in Bologna for the past month undergoing treatment.

It had initially been reported he was set to follow the match from a special box in the stands in Verona.

But when all the players took the pitch, Mihajlovic came in, without the mask covering his mouth he had been wearing in the afternoon when he left the hospital. His face was gaunt and thinner following weeks of treatment.

"We were shocked, we didn't expect it, even though he had promised us," midfielder Andrea Poli told sports broadcaster DAZN.

"We were impressed, but we are happy that he is here with us, he shows an exceptional courage. We were excited when he arrived at the hotel."