Bologna vs Parma: Serie A Preview, Prediction & Lineups

In the heart of Emilia-Romagna, the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara will host a heated local derby as Bologna FC 1909 takes on Parma Calcio 1913 in Serie A Gameweek 24. Set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 11:30 AM GMT, this clash pits two sides desperate for points against contrasting backdrops of form and fortune. Bologna, under Vincenzo Italiano, are in freefall, while Parma under Carlos Cuesta aim to capitalize on their rivals' woes. With Bologna eyeing a turnaround before a Coppa Italia quarter-final against Lazio, and Parma chasing mid-table security, this match promises tension and tactical intrigue.

Match Preview: Bologna's Crisis Meets Parma's Momentum Stall

Bologna's season has unraveled since December, with seven losses in their last 11 Serie A outings—the most in the league. They've conceded a league-high 22 goals in that span, exposing defensive frailties that have them teetering closer to the relegation zone than European spots. Their midweek 3-0 drubbing by AC Milan marked a third straight league defeat and fifth home loss in six, leaving them without a victory at Dall'Ara in 2026. A recent Europa League playoff qualification against SK Brann offered brief respite, but domestically, the Rossoblu are in crisis mode.

History, however, favors the hosts. Bologna have lost just once in their last 12 top-flight meetings with Parma, including a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture at Stadio Tardini. Only one of Parma's last 16 league visits to Dall'Ara ended in victory, giving Italiano's men a psychological edge. Yet, another loss here would mark four straight home defeats, a rare ignominy for the Felsinei.

Parma, meanwhile, sit comfortably mid-table but have hit a snag, earning just two points from their last four matches. A 4-0 thrashing by Atalanta and a 4-1 home loss to Juventus highlighted their struggles, with the Gialloblu failing to score in three straight before a bizarre own goal against the Old Lady. As Serie A's second-lowest scorers with 15 goals, Parma rely heavily on Mateo Pellegrino, who's netted six—none other have scored this year. A win would close the gap to four points behind Bologna, reigniting their earlier season promise.

Bologna's Form Guide

Serie A (last six): L D W L L L
All competitions: W L D L W L

The Rossoblu's possession-heavy style faltered against Milan, offering scant threat. Italiano must rally his squad, blending attacking flair with defensive solidity ahead of their Lazio cup tie.

Parma's Form Guide

Serie A (last six): L W D D L L

Cuesta's side showed mid-table mettle earlier but now battles a scoring drought. Their counter-attacking approach could exploit Bologna's backline, but consistency remains key.

Team News: Returns and Absences Shape Lineups

Bologna receive a boost with Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi back from a hamstring injury, potentially anchoring a defense that's shipped goals freely. Veteran full-back Lorenzo De Silvestri is the only doubt, leaving Italiano with selection flexibility. Up top, Thijs Dallinga and Santiago Castro compete for starts; Castro's brace in the reverse fixture shines, though he's scored just once at home this season. Riccardo Orsolini and Andreas Odgaard add width, while midfield duo Remo Freuler and Lewis Ferguson provide steel.

Parma welcome new signings Gabriel Strefezza, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, and Franco Carboni, who could debut from the bench. Pellegrino leads the attack, supported by Adrian Bernabe and Alhassane Keita in midfield. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki remains sidelined, alongside Pontus Almqvist, Lautaro Valenti, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, and long-term absentee Matija Frigan. Dennis Man and Ange-Yoan Bonny offer options, but the focus is on breaking their goal famine.

Possible Starting Lineups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea, Lucumi, Heggem, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro

Parma (4-3-3): Corvi; Delprato, Circati, Troilo, Valeri; Bernabe, Keita, Nicolussi Caviglia; Ondrejka, Strefezza; Pellegrino

Head-to-Head and Key Battles

This Emilian derby has been one-sided lately, with Bologna dominating. Parma's last win at Dall'Ara came in 2015, underscoring the hosts' stronghold. Key matchups include Castro vs. Parma's defense, where his movement could unlock spaces, and Pellegrino testing Lukasz Skorupski's resolve. Midfield skirmishes between Freuler-Ferguson and Bernabe-Keita will dictate tempo, while wing play from Orsolini and Ondrejka could swing the game.

Bologna's home crowd, though frustrated, will push for a response. Parma's away form—winless in five—adds pressure, but their resilience under Cuesta can't be dismissed.

Prediction: Bologna Edge a Tense Derby

Both teams arrive battered: Bologna's malaise dates back months, Parma's recent. Yet, at home against goal-shy foes, the Rossoblu should prevail narrowly. Expect a gritty affair with Bologna's quality shining through late.

Score Prediction: Bologna 2-1 Parma

For deeper stats on likely outcomes, scorelines, and xG analysis, check specialized tools. This derby could spark Bologna's revival—or deepen their woes—in a pivotal Serie A stretch.

As the whistle blows, eyes will be on Italiano's tactics to stem the tide. Parma, hungry for an upset, bring underdog fire. Stay tuned for live updates and post-match reaction on Everythiiing.com.