Nikola Moro ↑46′ · Marco Libra ↑46′ · Juan Miranda ↑46′ · Artem Dovbyk ↑66′⚽ · Samuel Mbangula ↑86′ · Eivind Helland · Mikel Amondarain · Nadir Zortea · Jay Enem · Massimo Pessina · Lorenzo De Silvestri · Martin Vitik · Ukko Happonen · Riccardo Orsolini · Oussama El Azzouzi
Coach · Domenico Tedesco
Match Preview
Bologna vs Sassuolo Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-09-04 16:13 UTC
Bologna and Sassuolo look for tactical clarity at Stadio Renato Dell'Ara
The tactical battle at the Stadio Renato Dell'Ara this Sunday hinges on how Bologna adapts their attacking structure against a Sassuolo side built on an experienced, transition-heavy spine. With both teams seeking to establish early-season momentum in Serie A, the matchday 3 encounter offers a significant opportunity for the hosts to find their first points of the campaign.
Adjusting to a new attacking shape
Bologna enters this fixture facing immediate pressure to improve upon a difficult start, having suffered consecutive losses to Lazio and Atalanta. The expected absence of Riccardo Orsolini forces a tactical rethink, with reports suggesting that Federico Bernardeschi may be drafted into the midfield to provide a different creative profile. This shift in personnel, coupled with the potential debut of Arthur Theate in defence, signals a willingness from the coaching staff to move away from the setup that struggled in their recent outings.
Sassuolo's transition-focused approach
Sassuolo arrives with a clear tactical identity, anchored by the experience of Nemanja Matic in the heart of the midfield. By deploying Domenico Berardi alongside Armand Lauriente, the visitors aim to exploit space through quick transitions. This direct approach is designed to test the resilience of the Bologna backline, particularly as the hosts look to integrate new defensive components into their starting XI.
The personnel battle in midfield
Beyond the tactical systems, the individual duels in the centre of the pitch will likely dictate the flow of the game. Bologna is expected to rely on the industry of Lewis Ferguson and Tommaso Pobega to break up play and transition the ball forward. Conversely, Sassuolo will look to Kristian Thorstvedt and Jay Idzes to maintain control and provide the necessary service to their attacking trio, ensuring that the visitors can dictate the tempo of the match.
Context and recent form
While Bologna is currently in a phase of rebuilding following a summer of departures, they will be hoping to replicate the defensive success they found against Sassuolo in their most recent meeting, a 1-0 victory back on 15 March 2026. Sassuolo, meanwhile, comes into this clash following a 2-1 victory over Torino in the league, though they were held to a draw by Frosinone in the Coppa Italia earlier this week. Both sides are aware that this match is a critical juncture for their respective seasons, with the home crowd likely to demand a response to Bologna's winless opening.
Sassuolo
4-3-3
● Confirmed
45
Lauriente
9
Bowie
7
↓38′
Volpato
35
↓60′
Lipani
18
↓80′
Matic
17
⚽↓60′
Adzic
3
⚽↓80′
Doig
16
Leysen
21
Idzes
46
Cinquegrano
49
Muric
Bench (22)
Domenico Berardi ↑38′ · Kristian Thorstvedt ↑60′ · Andrea Ghion ↑80′ · Rafael Obrador ↑80′ · Giacomo Satalino · Duje Caleta-Car · Laurs Skjellerup · Ignace Van Der Brempt · Benjamin Dominguez · Cas Odenthal · Fatawu Sulemana · Nicholas Pierini · Stefano Turati · Sebastiano Esposito · Cristian Volpato · Darryl Bakola · Edoardo Pieragnolo · Sebastian Walukiewicz · Fali Cande · Daniel Boloca · Ismael Kone · Yeferson Paz
Coach · Alberto Aquilani
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
All Predictions
What each AI model picked for Bologna vs Sassuolo
Every pick each model placed, market by market — with the odds they took.
