Bologna vs Sassuolo — Match Preview
The “Derby dell’Emilia” takes center stage at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday, 28 December 2025. This regional rivalry sees a fatigued but high-flying Bologna side host their neighbors, Sassuolo. Bologna (6th) return to domestic action after a grueling Supercoppa campaign in which they beat Inter in the semis but fell 0–2 to Napoli in the final just five days ago. Sassuolo (10th) arrive fresher, having not played since December 21, but they are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 0–1 home loss to Torino. With European ambitions on the line for the hosts and mid-table pride for the visitors, expect a fiery encounter.
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Match Info
- Competition: Serie A (Matchday 16)
- Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna (Capacity: 38,279)
- Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
- Kickoff: 15:00 CET | 14:00 GMT | 09:00 ET
- Referee: Juan Luca Sacchi (ITA)
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Match Stakes
Bologna (6th — 25 pts):
- Win → Moves to 28 pts; solidifies their hold on a European spot and potentially closes the gap on the top 4
- Draw → Understandable given the fatigue, but risks losing ground to Lazio and Atalanta
- Loss → A post-Supercoppa hangover; could drop them to 7th or 8th
Sassuolo (10th — 21 pts):
- Win → Moves to 24 pts; a massive statement in the derby pushing them toward the top half
- Draw → A decent result away from home against a top-6 side
- Loss → Stays stuck in mid-table; inconsistency continues to plague their season
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Team News
Bologna:
- Ferguson L. — Available (Captain & Key Midfielder)
- Orsolini R. — Available (Top Scorer)
- Fatigue Management: Having played 120 minutes vs Inter on Dec 20 and a final on Dec 23, Manager Vincenzo Italiano is expected to rotate heavily. Players like Castro and Ndoye may be rested for Dallinga and Karlsson.
Sassuolo:
- Berardi D. — Available (Talisman)
- Laurienté A. — Available (Key Threat)
- Doig J. — Available (Former Bologna target, now at Sassuolo)
- Fresh Legs: Sassuolo have had a full week to prepare and will look to exploit Bologna’s tired legs with pace on the wings.
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Bologna
- 23/12 — 0–2 vs Napoli (Supercoppa Final)
- 20/12 — 2–1 vs Inter (Supercoppa Semi – AET)
- 15/12 — 0–1 vs Juventus (Serie A)
- 12/12 — 2–1 vs Celta Vigo (Europa League)
- 07/12 — 1–1 vs Lazio (Serie A)
Sassuolo
- 21/12 — 0–1 vs Torino (Serie A)
- 14/12 — 2–2 vs AC Milan (Serie A)
- 06/12 — 3–1 vs Fiorentina (Serie A)
- 29/11 — 0–2 vs Como (Serie A)
- 25/11 — 2–2 vs Pisa (Serie A)
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 04/02/2024 — Bologna 4–2 Sassuolo (Serie A)
- 28/10/2023 — Sassuolo 1–1 Bologna (Serie A)
- 09/05/2023 — Sassuolo 1–1 Bologna (Serie A)
- 13/11/2022 — Bologna 3–0 Sassuolo (Serie A)
- 15/05/2022 — Bologna 1–3 Sassuolo (Serie A)
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Bologna (4-2-3-1)
Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Fabbian, Karlsson; Dallinga
Sassuolo (4-3-3)
Moldovan; Toljan, Romagna, Viti, Doig; Boloca, Thorstvedt, Lipani; Berardi, Mulattieri, Laurienté
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Impact Bench
Bologna: Castro (Goal threat), Ferguson (Leadership late on)
Sassuolo: Volpato (Creativity), Pinamonti (Striker option)
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Tactical Analysis
Bologna
Usually a high-pressing machine, Bologna may have to adopt a more conservative approach due to fatigue. They will rely on Riccardo Orsolini cutting in from the right to create magic. The midfield battle will be crucial; if Freuler and Moro can control the tempo, Bologna can hide their tiredness with possession.
Sassuolo
Sassuolo are dangerous but defensively fragile (20 goals conceded). Their game plan will be simple: absorb pressure and release Armand Laurienté and Domenico Berardi quickly in transition. They will target Bologna’s full-backs, who may be exhausted from the Supercoppa matches, looking for 1v1 situations on the flanks.
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Key Battles
- Orsolini vs Doig — Pace vs Pace on the flank
- Mulattieri vs Beukema — Physical duel in the box
- Berardi vs Miranda — Sassuolo’s best player vs Bologna’s left-back
- Freuler vs Thorstvedt — Midfield engine room battle
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Spotlight Players
Bologna — Thijs Dallinga
With Santiago Castro likely fatigued, Dallinga gets a chance to shine. He needs to provide a focal point and finish the chances Orsolini creates if Bologna are to take three points.
Sassuolo — Domenico Berardi
The Sassuolo legend loves playing in derbies. His ability to score from nowhere makes him the biggest threat to Bologna’s defense. If he is on form, Sassuolo can win anywhere.
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Prediction
Bologna 2–1 Sassuolo
Despite the fatigue factor, Bologna are a formidable force at the Dall’Ara. Sassuolo’s inconsistency (losing to Como and Torino recently) suggests they struggle to close out tight games. Expect a sluggish start from the hosts, but their superior quality and home support should see them edge a tight derby.
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES (Sassuolo rarely keep clean sheets)
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Riccardo Orsolini to Score — High Value
Bologna vs Sassuolo — Where to Watch
- Italy: DAZN
- USA: Paramount+
- UK: TNT Sports
Bologna vs Sassuolo — FAQs
Q: When is the Bologna vs Sassuolo match?
A: The match kicks off on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at 15:00 CET.
Q: Why did Bologna play Napoli recently?
A: They played in the Supercoppa Italiana Final on December 23rd.
Q: Who won the last derby?
A: Bologna won 4–2 at home in February 2024.
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