Bologna vs Sassuolo

Bologna welcome Sassuolo on Sunday for a Serie A Matchday 3 Emilia-Romagna derby, with both clubs still searching for their first win of the 2026-27 season. Bologna fell 1-0 at home to Lazio in Domenico Tedesco’s competitive debut, while Sassuolo were beaten 2-1 at Atalanta on the opening weekend.

Team News and Injury Latest

Bologna are without midfielder Oussama El Azzouzi, who is sidelined with a thigh injury sustained over the summer. Centre-back Nicolò Casale is pushing to return but remains a doubt after missing the Lazio loss, while the club have rejected two bids from Atalanta for winger Jonathan Rowe. The Englishman is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup, joining Riccardo Orsolini as support for a lone striker — either summer signing Artem Dovbyk or Roberto Piccoli, with Piccoli holding a slight fitness edge.

Sassuolo report no fresh injury concerns. Giacomo Raspadori found the net for Atalanta against his former side in Matchday 1, highlighting a defence that may be vulnerable to players with motivation to prove a point. Manager Alessio Dionisi is likely to stick with the core that pushed Atalanta close, though defensive concentration will be paramount.

Form Guide

Bologna’s home form is under scrutiny. The 1-0 reverse against Lazio extended a pattern of home discomfort that cost Vincenzo Italiano’s side a European place last term. Tedesco’s cautious 4-3-3 generated 14 shots but no breakthrough, and the crowd will expect a sharper cutting edge.

Sassuolo’s 2-1 defeat in Bergamo was more competitive than the scoreline suggests. They tested the Atalanta goalkeeper on several occasions and were undone by a late Nikola Krstovic strike. With extra rest — no midweek European commitment — they travel with a clear tactical plan to exploit Bologna’s recent inability to keep clean sheets at home.

Key Battle: Jonathan Rowe vs Sassuolo’s Defence

The 23-year-old winger is the subject of persistent transfer interest from Atalanta but remains a Bologna asset for now. Rowe’s direct dribbling and ability to cut inside from the right could unsettle a Sassuolo backline that conceded twice in their opener. With Orsolini on the opposite flank, Bologna will aim to overload the wide areas and supply crosses for Piccoli’s aerial threat. How Sassuolo’s full-backs handle that dual threat may decide the game.

The Derby dell’Emilia Context

Regional pride adds an extra layer to an already important contest. The Derby dell’Emilia rarely needs added spice, but the early-season stakes — both teams still on zero points — ensure a tense atmosphere at Bologna’s home ground. Recent meetings have been evenly balanced and typically tight, with neither side willing to gift the other derby bragging rights.