Bologna host Sassuolo at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday, 28 December in a clash that has historically tilted in the hosts’ favour. With kick-off set for5:00pm, both teams are jostling for position in the Serie A table—Bologna seeking to consolidate their push for Europe, while Sassuolo look to halt a recent slide. The head-to-head record and current defensive stats offer intriguing angles for punters sizing up this late-December fixture.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on Bologna’s defensive solidity and their edge in recent home meetings with Sassuolo, we’re confident the hosts can take all three points. Below are our top betting recommendations for this match, with Bologna to win standing out due to their superior form and defensive record.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna to Win | 4/5 @ Betfred (55.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bologna have lost just four of 15, stronger defence, plus H2H edge. |
| Correct Score 1-0 Bologna | 11/2 @ bet365 (15.4%) | ⭐⭐ | Solid defensive stats suggest low margin win for the hosts. |
Our approach: Start with Bologna to win, add BTTS No for accumulator potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date: Bologna have established themselves in the top six, combining a positive goal difference with a resilient back line. Sassuolo, by contrast, have conceded more and sit mid-table, with recent results seeing them slip to 10th. Here’s how both sides stack up in the league so far:
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna | 6 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 13 | +10 | 25 |
| Sassuolo | 10 | 16 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 21 | 20 | +1 | 21 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna): 6 goals from midfield in 15 matches, averaging 1.2 shots on target per game. Reliable attacking outlet and leading scorer for the hosts.
- Santiago Tomás Castro (Bologna): Noted for work rate and ability to stretch defences, which could create space for Orsolini and other attackers.
- Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo): Sassuolo’s most established attacking threat, often involved in both goals and assists when fit.
- Andrea Pinamonti (Sassuolo): Brings physical presence and holds up play, a potential focal point for Sassuolo’s counter-attacks.
Head-to-Head
Bologna have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning seven of the last 15 encounters. Sassuolo, however, have managed away wins at the Dall’Ara before, making this a fixture with potential for both sides to strike. Here are the last five meetings:
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 03/02/24 | Bologna 4-2 Sassuolo | Serie A |
| 28/10/23 | Sassuolo 1-1 Bologna | Serie A |
| 08/05/23 | Sassuolo 1-1 Bologna | Serie A |
| 12/11/22 | Bologna 3-0 Sassuolo | Serie A |
| 15/05/22 | Bologna 1-3 Sassuolo | Serie A |
Conclusion
Bologna’s defensive resilience and superior home form suggest they have the edge, but Sassuolo’s ability to spring a surprise remains. Will Bologna continue their push for Europe with another home win, or can Sassuolo upset the odds on the road? Our top tip is Bologna to win at 4/5 with Betfred (55.6%).
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
