As the race for European qualification heats up in Serie A, Bologna welcome Torino to the Stadio Dall’Ara on Friday evening in a match that could have significant implications for both sides’ aspirations. The Rossoblu, currently riding a nine-game unbeaten streak, are looking to solidify their position in the top half of the table and push for a coveted European spot. Meanwhile, Torino aim to continue their own undefeated run in 2025 and climb into the top half of the standings.
Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna side has been one of the surprise packages of the Serie A season. Their recent form has been particularly impressive, with the team going unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions. This run includes six undefeated games in Serie A, propelling them to eighth place in the table, level on points with AC Milan and just behind Fiorentina and Juventus in the race for European qualification.
The Rossoblu’s home form has been a cornerstone of their success this season, having lost just one Serie A match at the Dall’Ara. This bodes well for their chances against Torino, especially considering their recent head-to-head record. Bologna has won three of the last five meetings between the clubs, including a 2-0 away victory in December.
While not as high in the table as their hosts, Torino have shown resilience in recent weeks. Under the guidance of Paolo Vanoli, the Granata are undefeated in 2025, albeit with only one win since the turn of the year. Their tendency to draw matches has been notable, with six of their last seven games ending in stalemates – the most among Europe’s top five leagues since Christmas.
Despite their struggles to secure victories, Torino have managed to distance themselves from the relegation battle and are now setting their sights on a top-half finish. A win at the Dall’Ara would temporarily lift them to 10th in the table, a significant improvement from their mid-season position.
Team News
Bologna received a boost with the return of influential winger Riccardo Orsolini to full training following a thigh injury. His potential inclusion in the starting lineup could provide the creative spark needed to break down Torino’s defense. Coach Italiano faces selection dilemmas in attack, with Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga competing for the striker position in a possible four-man front line.
The recent acquisition of Davide Calabria from Milan adds depth to Bologna’s defensive options, with the former Rossoneri captain vying for the right-back spot against Emil Holm and Lorenzo De Silvestri.
Torino, on the other hand, will be without the suspended Samuele Ricci, potentially opening the door for winter signing Cesare Casadei to make his full debut. The absence of Adrien Tameze due to injury further complicates Vanoli’s midfield selection. Long-term absentees Perr Schuurs and Duvan Zapata continue to be sidelined, along with Alieu Njie.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Skorupski; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Dominguez, Ndoye; Castro
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Pedersen, Maripan, Coco, Sosa; Casadei, Linetty; Lazaro, Vlasic, Karamoh; Adams
Match Prediction
Given Bologna’s strong home record and recent form, they enter the match as slight favorites. However, Torino’s resilience and ability to grind out results cannot be underestimated. Both teams have shown a propensity for tight, low-scoring affairs this season, with Bologna and Torino playing the most minutes on level terms in Serie A (1,326 and 1,370 minutes, respectively).
Expect a closely contested battle with limited goalscoring opportunities. Bologna’s superior attacking options and home advantage could prove decisive, potentially leading to a narrow 1-0 victory for the Rossoblu. This result would extend their unbeaten run and deal a blow to Torino’s hopes of climbing the table, while boosting Bologna’s European aspirations.
Prediction: Bologna 1-0 Torino
