Bologna
SassuoloBy Tunde Ogundipe — Football expert covering Premier League, MLS, J1 League, and more
The first Derby dell'Emilia of the 2026/27 campaign kicks off at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, with both sides entering a new era under summer managerial changes. Alberto Aquilani will be desperate to snap Sassuolo’s six-match winless run against their fierce regional rivals, while Domenico Tedesco hunts his maiden victory at the helm of Bologna.
Bologna – Promising football, zero points
After two matchdays, Bologna sit in a seven-team cluster yet to register a single point, but they look the healthiest of the bunch. Domenico Tedesco has instilled an energetic vertical style built on a high press, and in possession the Rossoblù intelligently deploy his trademark flank overloads to stretch opponents. However, a glaring lack of finishing – combined with shaky goalkeeping from Łukasz Skorupski – has condemned them to narrow 1-0 defeats against Lazio and Atalanta.
The club operated on a tight budget during the summer window, but still managed to secure promising midfielder Mikel Amondarain for the future. Loans brought in experienced reinforcements: defender Arthur Theate, plus forwards Roberto Piccoli and Artem Dovbyk. Even after losing Lucumi, Freuler, Castro, and Row, the squad depth should be enough to steer clear of relegation trouble. For the coming weeks, Bologna will miss longtime leader Riccardo Orsolini due to injury, but they have capable replacements. Veteran Federico Bernardeschi has been one of the liveliest performers in the opening games and can easily shift back to his familiar right-wing role, leaving the central attacking slot to Jens Odgaard.
Sassuolo – Quality football, mixed results
Sassuolo have long been a breeding ground for young talent – both players and coaches. This time, after Fabio Grosso’s promotion to Fiorentina, the Neroverdi turned to Alberto Aquilani, a promising manager from Serie B. Aquilani has continued the club’s tradition of attacking football using the trusted 4-3-3 shape, and the visitors again look capable of breaking into the top ten – a target they narrowly missed last season.
Results have been mixed: a 1-2 loss to Atalanta and a 2-1 win over Torino give them three points, but in both games they outperformed their opponents in expected goals (xG). The only poor display came in the Coppa Italia first round against Frosinone (1-1, win on penalties), but Aquilani fielded a clear second string there. Come Sunday, expect a full-strength lineup. Key man Domenico Berardi has recovered from injury and netted the winner last round; he is likely to make his first start of the season on the right wing. Up front, Sebastiano Esposito – on loan from Cagliari – will replace Kieron Bowie, who has yet to score in official matches this term.
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski – Holm, Haeggem, Theate, Miranda – Moro, Ferguson – Bernardeschi, Odgaard, Cambiaghi – Piccoli
Injured: Orsolini, El Azzouzi
Coach: Domenico Tedesco
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric – Cinqueagrano, Idzes, Leysen, Doig – Adzic, Matic, Bacolia – Berardi, Esposito, Laurienté
Injured: Boloca, Pieragnolo, Cande, I. Kone, Valukiewicz
Coach: Alberto Aquilani
Marco Di Bello takes charge. He is not known for a heavy hand – in his last 12 Serie A matches, he has never issued more than three yellow cards, and he has not awarded a single penalty in the top flight for 11 consecutive games.
Main bet: Sassuolo not to lose @ 1.83
This is a clash of two sides that are very close in quality and style. The favourite, Bologna, still have zero points and are under pressure to deliver at home. Tedesco’s aggressive high press forces his defenders to push up near the halfway line, leaving space in behind – especially at the Dall’Ara, where they will be expected to attack. Sassuolo, on the other hand, are deadly on the counter. With Nemanja Matic and Vasilije Adzic picking out runners from deep, their forwards can exploit those gaps repeatedly. The value lies in backing the underdog: Sassuolo to avoid defeat.
Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.81
Both sides have goals in them. Bologna have yet to find the net this season, but in each of their two league games they generated over 1.0 xG, so they are creating chances. Tedesco’s men will be up against an attack-minded Sassuolo that has exchanged goals with every opponent in all three official matches so far. Expect an open game with goals at both ends.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Bologna4-2-3-1
Sassuolo4-3-3Bologna are overdue a commanding win on home soil. I'm backing them to finally deliver and take all three points against Sassuolo – the odds of 1.95 make this a clear value play.
Bologna vs. Sassuolo in Serie A has goals written all over it. I'm backing both teams to find the net here, and at 1.73, it's a bet I'm taking with confidence. The match just screams a back-and-forth affair, and I don't see either side keeping a clean sheet. This one's going to deliver.
Bologna hosting Sassuolo in Serie A. Over 3 goals at 2.47 is the play I’m taking — a clean, straightforward pick. I’m confident we’ll see exactly four goals in this one.
Bologna and Sassuolo are set for a scrappy Serie A match. I anticipate constant minor fouls and broken play, forcing the referee into action. With Italian officiating, three or four yellows are on the cards – over 2.5 at 1.51 is the call.
Sassuolo’s defensive approach invites pressure, and they rarely shut teams out. Bologna, meanwhile, have been generating plenty of opportunities but haven’t found the finishing touch early in the season – that luck is due to turn. I’m backing both teams to score, as the hosts’ creative spark should finally click against a side that gives opponents room to play.
Sassuolo with a zero-handicap at 2.69 — that’s the angle here. I expect the visitors to find the net and have a real shot at taking all three points against Bologna.
Bologna against Sassuolo in Serie A has all the markings of a match where the referee won’t be keeping his cards in his pocket. I’m going for over 3.5 yellow cards at 2.25 odds.
This fixture tends to get scrappy, and both sides have enough aggressive challenges to push the count past four bookings. The price offers real value for a bet that should land without much drama.
Bologna and Sassuolo in Serie A look set for a busy afternoon from corner kicks. I'm taking over 10.5 corners at 2.79 — the match should produce plenty of set-piece opportunities.
Bologna’s attack against Sassuolo should be good for at least two goals. I’m backing the hosts to score over 1.5 team goals at 2.00.
Backing Sassuolo to score over 1.5 goals at 3.00 is a bold move, no question. Still, the price offers enough value that I'm willing to roll the dice on it.
Bologna and Sassuolo should produce a lively opening period. Serie A teams can be cautious early on, but the odds of 2.75 for Over 1.5 goals in the first half look too generous to pass up. I'm confident both sides will attack and find the net before the break.
Bologna still haven't clicked this season, and I see that as a clear opening for the visitors. That's why I'm backing Sassuolo with a handicap (0) at 2.72 – they have every chance to walk away with the win.
Bologna and Sassuolo tend to deliver a physical, chippy encounter, and the numbers back it up. Over 3.5 yellow cards is the clear angle here, priced at 2.20.
Both sides have a habit of racking up bookings in Serie A. With a referee likely to keep things tight, I expect at least four cards between them. No need to overthink this one.
Bologna will take at least six corners against Sassuolo in this Serie A match. I'm backing that at 1.98.
Bologna vs Sassuolo in Serie A – this one stays under 9.5 corners. The line at 1.65 is a steal. No corner barrage here.
Bologna hosting Sassuolo in Serie A — I’m backing the home side to find the net at least twice. The odds at 2.13 offer solid value for a team that should have enough firepower to get the job done.
Bologna's attack has been significantly weakened by both departures and injuries, leaving them less potent in the final third. Sassuolo, on the other hand, have the quality to avoid defeat here. I'm backing the visitors to come away with at least a point.
Bologna against Sassuolo in Serie A—this is a fixture that consistently delivers on the disciplinary front. I’m backing the total yellow cards to go over 3.5 at 2.20.
Both sides have a history of picking up bookings in this matchup, and the intensity of a Serie A clash should ensure at least four cards are shown. The odds offer solid value for a bet that aligns with the pattern of this game.
Bologna are overdue a commanding win on home soil. I'm backing them to finally deliver and take all three points against Sassuolo – the odds of 1.95 make this a clear value play.
Bologna's attack has been significantly weakened by both departures and injuries, leaving them less potent in the final third. Sassuolo, on the other hand, have the quality to avoid defeat here. I'm backing the visitors to come away with at least a point.
Bologna hosting Sassuolo in Serie A. Over 3 goals at 2.47 is the play I’m taking — a clean, straightforward pick. I’m confident we’ll see exactly four goals in this one.
Bologna and Sassuolo in Serie A look set for a busy afternoon from corner kicks. I'm taking over 10.5 corners at 2.79 — the match should produce plenty of set-piece opportunities.
Bologna’s attack against Sassuolo should be good for at least two goals. I’m backing the hosts to score over 1.5 team goals at 2.00.
Backing Sassuolo to score over 1.5 goals at 3.00 is a bold move, no question. Still, the price offers enough value that I'm willing to roll the dice on it.
Bologna and Sassuolo should produce a lively opening period. Serie A teams can be cautious early on, but the odds of 2.75 for Over 1.5 goals in the first half look too generous to pass up. I'm confident both sides will attack and find the net before the break.
Bologna will take at least six corners against Sassuolo in this Serie A match. I'm backing that at 1.98.
Bologna hosting Sassuolo in Serie A — I’m backing the home side to find the net at least twice. The odds at 2.13 offer solid value for a team that should have enough firepower to get the job done.
Bologna vs Sassuolo in Serie A – this one stays under 9.5 corners. The line at 1.65 is a steal. No corner barrage here.
Sassuolo with a zero-handicap at 2.69 — that’s the angle here. I expect the visitors to find the net and have a real shot at taking all three points against Bologna.
Bologna still haven't clicked this season, and I see that as a clear opening for the visitors. That's why I'm backing Sassuolo with a handicap (0) at 2.72 – they have every chance to walk away with the win.
Bologna vs. Sassuolo in Serie A has goals written all over it. I'm backing both teams to find the net here, and at 1.73, it's a bet I'm taking with confidence. The match just screams a back-and-forth affair, and I don't see either side keeping a clean sheet. This one's going to deliver.
Sassuolo’s defensive approach invites pressure, and they rarely shut teams out. Bologna, meanwhile, have been generating plenty of opportunities but haven’t found the finishing touch early in the season – that luck is due to turn. I’m backing both teams to score, as the hosts’ creative spark should finally click against a side that gives opponents room to play.
Bologna and Sassuolo are set for a scrappy Serie A match. I anticipate constant minor fouls and broken play, forcing the referee into action. With Italian officiating, three or four yellows are on the cards – over 2.5 at 1.51 is the call.
Bologna against Sassuolo in Serie A has all the markings of a match where the referee won’t be keeping his cards in his pocket. I’m going for over 3.5 yellow cards at 2.25 odds.
This fixture tends to get scrappy, and both sides have enough aggressive challenges to push the count past four bookings. The price offers real value for a bet that should land without much drama.
Bologna and Sassuolo tend to deliver a physical, chippy encounter, and the numbers back it up. Over 3.5 yellow cards is the clear angle here, priced at 2.20.
Both sides have a habit of racking up bookings in Serie A. With a referee likely to keep things tight, I expect at least four cards between them. No need to overthink this one.
Bologna against Sassuolo in Serie A—this is a fixture that consistently delivers on the disciplinary front. I’m backing the total yellow cards to go over 3.5 at 2.20.
Both sides have a history of picking up bookings in this matchup, and the intensity of a Serie A clash should ensure at least four cards are shown. The odds offer solid value for a bet that aligns with the pattern of this game.
The match is on September 6, 2026, at 17:00 at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.
The main bet is 'Sassuolo not to lose' at odds of 1.83, based on Sassuolo's counter-attacking strength and Bologna's defensive vulnerabilities.
Bologna are the nominal favorites due to home advantage, but they are winless with zero points, while Sassuolo are seen as a strong underdog with quality on the counter.
Yes, Bologna are missing Riccardo Orsolini and El Azzouzi due to injury. Sassuolo have several injured players including Boloca, Pieragnolo, Cande, I. Kone, and Valukiewicz.
Bologna have lost both league games 1-0 to Lazio and Atalanta, while Sassuolo have one win (2-1 vs Torino) and one loss (1-2 vs Atalanta) in Serie A.
Yes, 'Both teams to score – Yes' is recommended at odds of 1.81, as both sides create chances and Sassuolo have exchanged goals in all official matches this season.