Bologna vs Sassuolo prediction - Serie A, December 29th
Bologna are aiming to join the European Cup qualification group as they host Sassuolo at Stadio Renato Dal'Ara, with the visitors missing star player Domenico Berardi.
The clash between Bologna and Sassuolo at 00:00 on December 29, 2025, at Stadio Renato Dal'Ara is one of the key matches in Serie A at the end of the year. With home advantage and consistent form, Bologna has a great opportunity to consolidate their position in the leading group.
Current league position and form
Bologna enters this match as the favorites, currently sitting in 7th place with 25 points. The team playing at the Renato Dal'Ara stadium has shown remarkable improvement this season with a solid defense, conceding an average of only 0.9 goals per game. In their last 5 matches, they have secured 2 wins, 1 draw, and suffered 2 defeats.
Conversely, Sassuolo is struggling in 11th place with 21 points. The visitors' form has declined somewhat, having won only 1 of their last 5 matches (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses). Sassuolo's biggest weakness lies in their defense, having conceded 20 goals in 16 matches.
| Team | Location | Point | Goal difference (GPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna | 7 | 25 | +10 (1.5 goals/match) |
| Sassuolo | 11 | 21 | +1 (1.3 goals/match) |
Head-to-head history and key statistics
Historically, Bologna has a clear advantage in recent years. In the last five encounters, the home team won two matches, drew two, and lost only once. Notably, in their most recent home match against Sassuolo in February 2024, Bologna secured a convincing 4-2 victory.
- Four out of the last five matches between the two teams have had two or more goals.
- Bologna have won 4 home games this season.
- Sassuolo have a relatively stable away record with 3 wins in their last 8 away games.
Team news and expected lineup
Both teams are facing personnel losses ahead of this crucial match. Bologna will be without F. Bernardeschi due to injury and defender T. Heggem due to a red card. The availability of goalkeeper L. Skorupski and defender N. Casale remains uncertain as both are dealing with thigh problems.
On the other side of the pitch, Sassuolo suffered a major blow with their star striker D. Berardi absent due to a muscle injury. In addition, W. Coulibaly was away on international duty, while the visiting team's injury list continued to grow with names like E. Pieragnolo, A. Pinamonti, and F. Romagna.
Tactical analysis and prediction
With Berardi absent, Sassuolo's attacking strength will undoubtedly be significantly diminished. Bologna, with their possession-based style and ability to capitalize on opportunities at home, are expected to proactively press from the start. Bologna's defensive system will pose a major challenge for Sassuolo's backup strikers.
Based on statistical data and team strength, Bologna's chances of winning are significantly higher. Experts predict a close match with a low scoreline, as both teams tend to score under 2.5 goals per game this season.
Predicted result:Bologna win or draw.
Team lineup updated at 23:23 on December 28, 2025
Official lineup
Bologna
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachVincenzo Italiano
Starting lineup:
- 13. Federico Ravaglia (G)
- 20. Nadir Zortea (D)
- 41. Martin Vitík (D)
- 26. Jhon Lucumí (D)
- 33. Juan Miranda (D)
- 6. Nikola Moro (M)
- 4. Tommaso Pobega (M)
- 7. Riccardo Orsolini (M)
- 80. Giovanni Fabbian (M)
- 11. Jonathan Rowe (M)
- 24. Thijs Dallinga (F)
Substitutes:
- 25. Massimo Pessina
- 82. Matteo Franceschelli
- 22. Charalampos Lykogiannis
- 16. Nicolò Casale
- 15. Bodin Tomašević
- 29. Lorenzo De Silvestri
- 2. Emil Holm
- 8. Remo Freuler
- 77. Ibrahim Sulemana
- 21. Jens Odgaard
- 19. Lewis Ferguson
- 30. Benjamín Domínguez
- 9. Santiago Castro
- 17. Ciro Immobile
Sassuolo
Diagram: 4-3-3
CoachFabio Grosso
Starting lineup:
- 49. Arijanet Murić (G)
- 6. Sebastian Walukiewicz (D)
- 80. Tarik Muharemović (D)
- 21. Jay Idzes (D)
- 5. Fali Candé (D)
- 90. Ismael Koné (M)
- 18. Nemanja Matić (M)
- 42. Kristian Thorstvedt (M)
- 7. Cristian Volpato (F)
- 99. Andrea Pinamonti (F)
- 45. Armand Laurienté (F)
Substitutes:
- 13. Stefano Turati
- 16. Gioele Zacchi
- 12. Giacomo Satalino
- 26. Cas Odenthal
- 3. Josh Doig
- 35. Luca Lipani
- 44. Edoardo Iannoni
- 20. Alieu Fadera
- 40. Aster Vranckx
- 77. Nicholas Pierini
- 14. Laurens Skjellerup
- 24. Luca Moro
- 9. Walid Cheddra
