Bologna’s struggles continued as they failed to capitalize on a numerical advantage, drawing 0-0 with local rivals Parma in a tense Emilia-Romagna Derby. The result leaves both teams searching for form in the early stages of the Serie A season.
The match began with both sides showing caution, reflecting their recent poor runs. Bologna, coming off a Champions League defeat to Liverpool, were without suspended Jhon Lucumi and several injured players. Parma, dealing with their own injury crisis, welcomed back Matteo Cancellieri from suspension.
The first half saw limited clear-cut chances. Riccardo Orsolini came close for Bologna with a curling effort, while Parma’s Ange Yoan Bonny threatened on the counter-attack. Bologna striker Santiago Castro nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime, his glancing header narrowly missing the far post.
The game’s turning point came immediately after the restart when Parma’s Woyo Coulibaly was sent off following a VAR review for a high challenge on Dan Ndoye. This red card shifted the momentum firmly in Bologna’s favor.
Despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, Bologna struggled to find the decisive breakthrough. Zion Suzuki in the Parma goal made crucial saves, including a spectacular stop from Castro’s powerful shot. The home side’s attack often appeared crowded and disorganized in the final third.
In a surprising twist, 10-man Parma nearly snatched victory in the closing minutes. Valentin Mihaila’s long-range effort forced a fine save from Bologna’s substitute goalkeeper Nicola Ravaglia.
The draw leaves both teams in mid-table positions, with Bologna’s inability to break down a depleted Parma side raising questions about their attacking prowess. For Parma, the resilient defensive display offers some positives as they continue to navigate through their injury crisis.
Bologna (4-3-3): Ravaglia; Holm, Beukema, Erlic, Lykogiannis (79′ Miranda); Aebischer (46′ Fabbian), Freuler, Moro (62′ Urbanski); Orsolini (46′ Iling Jr), Castro, Ndoye (79′ Karlsson). All. Italiano.
Parma (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Coulibaly, Osorio, Balogh, Valeri; Sohm, Bernabé (89′ Camara); Man (89′ Keita), Hernani (72′ Mihaila), Cancellieri (55′ Hainaut); Bonny (72′ Charpentier). All. Pecchia.
