Bologna vs Sassuolo - Serie A

The Serie A returns to the home ground on September 6, 2026, where Bologna and Sassuolo will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Chelsea could do with a morale-boosting win when they face AC Milan in Jakarta.

A glance at the Serie A table tells the story: Bologna in 16th and Sassuolo in 9th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Bologna are in the midst of a difficult spell, LLWDW in their last five summing up a win rate of 0%. Sassuolo travel in decent nick, WDWL in their last five and a win rate of 50% this season. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Paulo Fonseca's men are still smarting from their Champions League play-off exit but now sit third in the table.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Bologna will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Sassuolo will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

When D. Malen is on the pitch — 6 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Serie A's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. With Marcos Senesi similarly forward thinking with his passing, and Van Hecke committing opponents like nobody else, a team is being constructed that can play through the thirds.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The numbers tilt towards Sassuolo, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Serie A standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.