0 Points After Two: Bologna Host Sassuolo in Serie A

Bologna need a response at home

Bologna welcome Sassuolo to Serie A on Sunday, September 6, with the hosts still searching for their first point of the regular season. After two rounds, Bologna sit 15th with two defeats and a goal difference of -2, while Sassuolo are 11th on three points after one win and one loss. The match begins at 16:00 UTC in Bologna, with M. Di Bello appointed referee.

The table gives Sassuolo an early three-point advantage, although both sides are already chasing the pace set by Como. The leaders have seven points, leaving Bologna seven points behind and Sassuolo four adrift. With the campaign only at the third round, neither team is facing a defining moment, but both have an opportunity to establish momentum before the gap at the top grows further.

Contrasting shapes could decide the contest

Bologna have used a 4-2-3-1 in both of their matches, suggesting a structure built around two deeper midfielders supporting an attacking line of three behind the striker. That shape can provide balance and a route to progress through the middle, but Bologna will need greater attacking efficiency after scoring zero goals in their only home fixture so far.

Sassuolo have also stayed consistent, using a 4-3-3 in both games. Their three-man midfield may offer numerical support in central areas, while the wider forwards can stretch Bologna’s back four. Sassuolo’s away numbers show both promise and vulnerability: they have scored once but conceded twice in their only road match. Bologna, meanwhile, have conceded once at home and have yet to keep a clean sheet.

Form and absences add uncertainty

Bologna arrive with losses in both of their recent matches, so the immediate priority will be to stop that run and turn home possession into chances. The absences of O. El Azzouzi, listed with a thigh injury, and R. Orsolini, unavailable through injury, reduce the options available to the hosts as they seek a first positive result.

Sassuolo’s recent record is mixed, with a loss followed by a win in their most recent two matches. D. Boloca, F. Cande, I. Kone, Y. Paz and E. Pieragnolo are listed as missing, while S. Walukiewicz is questionable with a muscle injury. Those absences may encourage a measured approach, particularly away from home, as Sassuolo try to protect their narrow advantage in the standings.

Prediction

Bologna 1-1 Sassuolo. Bologna’s need for a response should make them competitive at home, but Sassuolo’s superior position and recent win point to a balanced draw.