Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic vowed to "win this battle" as he announced he will receive treatment for leukaemia.

The 50-year-old, who took charge of the club in January, said his illness was detected before pre-season started.

The former Yugoslavia international defender will remain in charge of the Serie A club while he has treatment.

"I have cried a lot on these days, but I don't like it when someone comes and pities me," Mihajlovic said. "It will take time but I'll recover."

At a news conference at the club's headquarters, he added: "I always play to win, both in football and in life. I'll defeat leukaemia."