Bologna vs Parma: Preview, Prediction, Lineups | Coppa Italia 2025/26

On: December 3, 2025 1:17 AM

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Bologna vs Parma — Match Preview

The Derby dell’Emilia takes center stage in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 as Bologna host regional rivals Parma at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.¹ This is more than just a cup tie; it is a battle for regional pride between two historic clubs.

Bologna, led by Vincenzo Italiano, have been impressive this season, balancing European commitments with strong domestic form. Despite a recent slip-up against Cremonese (1-3), their wins against Napoli (2-0) and Salzburg (4-1) demonstrate their high ceiling. They reached the final of this competition last year (in this timeline) and will be desperate to go one step further.

Parma, meanwhile, are fighting for consistency. Fabio Pecchia’s men sit mid-table in Serie A but have struggled against top-tier opposition recently, including a 1-3 loss to Bologna just a month ago.² However, cup derbies often level the playing field, and Parma will view this as a perfect opportunity to avenge that defeat and ignite their season.

Bologna vs Parma — Quick Match Info

Fixture: Bologna vs Parma
Competition: Coppa Italia Frecciarossa (Round of 16)
Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna (Capacity: 38,279)³
Date: Thursday, 04 December 2025
Kickoff Time: 18:00 CET / 17:00 GMT / 22:30 IST
Referee: TBC
TV Channel (Italy): Italia 1
TV Channel (USA): Paramount+
TV Channel (India): Star Sports Select (TBC) / JioTV
Live Stream: Mediaset Infinity, Paramount+

Bologna vs Parma — Match Context (2025/26 Season)

Bologna:

Form: Good overall, despite a recent blip. They have won 3 of their last 5 games across all competitions.
Cup Pedigree: Defending runners-up (based on timeline context). They treat the Coppa Italia seriously.
Current Challenge: Managing significant injuries to key veterans like Remo Freuler and Ciro Immobile.⁴

Parma:

Form: Mixed. They haven’t won back-to-back games in over a month. The 2-2 draw vs AC Milan showed they can compete, but the 0-2 loss to Udinese highlighted defensive fragility.
Current Challenge: Defensive injuries. Missing key defenders like Alessandro Circati and Martin Vitik makes them vulnerable at the back.

Bologna vs Parma — What’s at Stake

For Bologna:

Confirmation: Reaffirming their status as the “big brother” in Emilia-Romagna and booking a quarter-final spot.

For Parma:

Revenge & Glory: Knocking out Bologna on their own patch would be the highlight of the season for the Crociati fans.

Bologna vs Parma — Team Form

Bologna (Last 5 Matches):

L vs Cremonese (1-3)
W vs Salzburg (4-1 – EL)⁵
W vs Udinese (3-0)
W vs Napoli (2-0)
D vs Brann (0-0 – EL)⁶

Parma (Last 5 Matches):

L vs Udinese (0-2)
W vs Verona (2-1)
W vs Mantova (2-1 – Friendly)
D vs AC Milan (2-2)⁷
L vs Bologna (1-3)⁸

Bologna vs Parma — Team News

Bologna:

Ciro Immobile: Out (Thigh Injury – Big loss upfront).
Remo Freuler: Out (Shoulder Injury – The midfield general is missing).⁹
Lukasz Skorupski: Out (Thigh Injury – Backup GK Ravaglia will start).¹⁰
Kevin Bonifazi: Out (Inactive).
Rotation: With Immobile out, Santiago Castro or Thijs Dallinga will lead the line. Nikoro Moro or Tommaso Pobega will likely step into midfield.

Parma:

Zion Suzuki: Out (Finger Injury – Leandro Chichizola starts in goal).
Alessandro Circati: Out (Leg Injury).
Martin Vitik: Out (Muscle Injury).
Matija Frigan: Out (Knee Injury).
Abdoulaye Ndiaye: Out (Groin Injury).¹¹
Defense: With Circati, Vitik, and Ndiaye out, Parma are down to the bare bones at center-back. Botond Balogh and Yordan Osorio will have to play.

Bologna vs Parma — Head to Head

02 Nov 2025: Parma 1–3 Bologna (Serie A)¹²
22 Feb 2025: Parma 0–2 Bologna (Serie A)¹³
06 Oct 2024: Bologna 0–0 Parma (Serie A)¹⁴
07 Feb 2021: Parma 0–3 Bologna (Serie A)¹⁵
29 Sep 2020: Bologna 4–1 Parma (Serie A)
Analysis: Bologna has dominated this fixture recently, winning 4 of the last 5 and remaining unbeaten.

Bologna vs Parma — Predicted Lineups

Bologna (4-2-3-1):

Italiano rotates but keeps a strong core for the derby.

GK: Federico Ravaglia¹⁶
RB: Stefan Posch
CB: Sam Beukema
CB: Jhon Lucumí¹⁷
LB: Charalampos Lykogiannis¹⁸
CDM: Nikola Moro¹⁹
CDM: Tommaso Pobega (Replacing Freuler)
RW: Riccardo Orsolini (C)
CAM: Lewis Ferguson²⁰
LW: Dan Ndoye
ST: Santiago Castro (Replacing Immobile)²¹

Parma (4-2-3-1):

Pechhia’s defense is makeshift, but his attack remains dangerous.

GK: Leandro Chichizola
RB: Woyo Coulibaly
CB: Yordan Osorio
CB: Botond Balogh²²
LB: Emanuele Valeri
CDM: Adrián Bernabé²³
CDM: Hernani
RW: Dennis Man
CAM: Simon Sohm
LW: Valentin Mihaila
ST: Ange-Yoan Bonny

Bologna vs Parma — Impact Bench Options

Bologna:

Jens Odgaard: A versatile forward who can score from anywhere across the front line.
Giovanni Fabbian: A goal-scoring midfielder who crashes the box late.

Parma:

Matteo Cancellieri: Explosive pace on the wing if Parma needs to counter in the second half.
Pontus Almqvist: Another fast option to stretch Bologna’s defense.²⁴

Bologna vs Parma — Tactical Outlook

Bologna:

Playing Style: High Press & Verticality. Without Freuler to control the tempo, Bologna might be more direct. They will target Parma’s depleted central defense with the physicality of Santiago Castro and the runs of Ferguson.
Weakness: Goalkeeping. Ravaglia is a solid backup, but replacing Skorupski in a derby brings pressure.

Parma:

Playing Style: Transition Speed. Parma possesses electric speed on the wings with Man and Mihaila. They will try to bypass Bologna’s midfield press and attack the space behind the full-backs.
Strength: Dribbling. Bernabé and Man can create chances out of nothing.
Weakness: Central Defense. Missing three center-backs is a crisis. They are vulnerable to crosses and set-pieces.

Bologna vs Parma — Key Battles

Matchup	Battle Type	Edge
Santiago Castro vs. Botond Balogh	Physicality: Castro is strong and aggressive. Balogh must stand firm without his usual partners.	Bologna
Dennis Man vs. Charalampos Lykogiannis	Speed Mismatch: Man is one of the best wingers in Italy. Lykogiannis loves to attack but can be exposed defensively.	Parma
Lewis Ferguson vs. Hernani	Engine Room: Ferguson’s late runs are deadly. Hernani needs to track him or Bologna will have free shots from the edge of the box.	Bologna

Bologna vs Parma — Spotlight Players

Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna):

The captain often steps up in derbies. With Immobile out, the goal-scoring burden falls on his left foot. His ability to cut inside and curl shots is Bologna’s primary weapon.

Adrián Bernabé (Parma):

The Spanish midfielder is a joy to watch. He dictates play and can thread the needle for Parma’s fast forwards. If Parma are to cause an upset, Bernabé needs to run the show.

Bologna vs Parma — Prediction

Score Prediction: Bologna 3–1 Parma

Betting Insights:

Outcome: Bologna to Win.
Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals (Parma’s defense is decimated; Bologna play attacking football).
Both Teams to Score: YES (Derbies usually deliver goals).

Analysis: Parma’s injury crisis in defense (no Circati, Vitik, or Suzuki) is simply too significant to ignore against a Bologna side that scores freely at the Dall’Ara. While Parma has the talent to score, they lack the structure to keep Bologna out for 90 minutes. Expect the home side to advance comfortably.

Bologna vs Parma — Final Word

The Derby dell’Emilia is always passionate, but the odds are heavily stacked in Bologna’s favor this time. With a deeper squad and home advantage, they should have too much firepower for a Parma team patching up its backline. Expect goals, noise, and a Rossoblù celebration.

Bologna vs Parma — FAQs

When is the Bologna vs Parma match?

The match kicks off on Thursday, 04 December 2025, at 18:00 CET.

Is Ciro Immobile playing?

No, Ciro Immobile is out with a thigh injury.

Who is the favorite?

Bologna are clear favorites due to home advantage, superior form, and Parma’s defensive injuries.

Where can I watch the match in India?

The match will likely be streamed on JioTV or Star Sports Select.

Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community

Will Bologna rule the region again, or can Parma pull off a shock? Drop your predictions below!

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