As Serie A action resumes this weekend, Bologna welcomes newly-promoted Parma to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara for an intriguing Sunday afternoon clash. Both teams enter the match looking to bounce back from recent setbacks and climb the league table.
Bologna, fresh off a midweek Champions League defeat at Liverpool, sits 13th in Serie A with just one win from their opening six matches. The Rossoblu have drawn all three of their home games so far this season by identical 1-1 scorelines. New manager Vincenzo Italiano is still working to implement his system after replacing Thiago Motta, who led Bologna to a surprise 5th place finish and Champions League qualification last season.
Parma has had an up-and-down start to life back in Serie A after a three-year absence. The Crociati began brightly with four points from their first two matches, including a shock win over AC Milan. However, they’ve managed just one point from their last four games and currently sit 15th, just above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Despite their recent struggles, Parma has shown an ability to score goals, finding the net in all six of their league matches so far. Forward Dennis Man has been particularly impressive with three goals and an assist already this campaign.
Santiago Castro has stepped up for Bologna in attack, contributing four goals already this season as he looks to fill the void left by Joshua Zirkzee’s departure. For Parma, Dennis Man’s goalscoring form will be crucial to their chances of an upset.
Bologna have dominated this fixture in recent years, going unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Parma. The visitors’ last victory at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara came back in December 2012.
Italiano’s Bologna will likely look to control possession and create chances through patient build-up play. Parma under Fabio Pecchia have shown a willingness to play attractive, attacking football even against stronger opposition. This could lead to an open, entertaining match.
Team News
Bologna will be without suspended center-back Jhon Lucumi after his red card against Atalanta last weekend. Midfielder Lewis Ferguson remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, while on-loan Tommaso Pobega is also unavailable.
For Parma, defenders Alessandro Circati and Mateusz Kowalski are out for the season with ACL injuries. Key midfielder Nahuel Estevez is doubtful with a muscle issue.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna (4-1-4-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Freuler; Orsolini, Urbanski, Moro, Ndoye; Castr
Parma (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Del Prato, Osorio, Balogh, Coulibaly; Hainaut, Bernabe; Man, Hernani, Almqvist; Bonny
Match Prediction
While Parma has shown an ability to score goals, Bologna’s home form and overall quality should see them through. The hosts’ need for points is becoming urgent, and they should have enough to edge a close contest.
Prediction: Bologna 2-1 Parma
