Prediction: Bologna vs Lazio

Both Bologna and Lazio embark on fresh chapters when they meet at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Monday night in their opening Serie A fixture of the 2026-27 campaign.

Domenico Tedesco takes charge of the Rossoblu for the first time in a competitive match after replacing Vincenzo Italiano, while Gennaro Gattuso will be desperate to bounce back from a disastrous start to life in the Lazio dugout following their shock Coppa Italia exit.

Bologna begin the new season with significant changes both on the touchline and within the squad. Following an impressive spell that delivered Coppa Italia success, Europa League knockout football and an eighth-place Serie A finish, Vincenzo Italiano departed for Besiktas, leaving former Belgium and Fenerbahce coach Domenico Tedesco to take charge.

The new manager inherits a side that was often better away from home than at the Dall’Ara last season. Indeed, Bologna accumulated considerably more points on their travels than in Emilia-Romagna, making home improvement one of Tedesco’s most immediate priorities.

The Rossoblu enter the campaign after a mixed pre-season that concluded with defeat to Brighton, and the opening weekend offers an immediate opportunity to reset expectations following substantial summer changes.

Team News

Several key departures have altered the look of the squad. Jhon Lucumi and Santiago Castro have moved on, but Bologna have attempted to strengthen with the arrivals of Mikel Amondarain, Artem Dovbyk and Roberto Piccoli.

Dovbyk and Piccoli are expected to compete for the central striking role vacated by Castro, while Riccardo Orsolini remains one of the team’s most important players. After reaching double figures in goals for a fourth consecutive Serie A season, the winger recently committed his future to the club with a new contract.

Team news is relatively positive for the hosts. All three summer arrivals are available for their debuts, while Nicolo Casale is the only significant fitness concern heading into Monday’s contest. Jonathan Rowe and Orsolini are expected to support the central striker from wide positions.

Lazio’s preparations for the new season have been far from ideal. After finishing ninth in Serie A last season, the Biancocelesti were forced to enter the Coppa Italia earlier than usual, only to suffer a humiliating elimination at the hands of Serie B side Mantova.

Gattuso’s first competitive match in charge ended in frustration as Lazio conceded twice late on to crash out of the competition. The former Italy international later described the defeat as a “punch in the face,” underlining the scale of the disappointment.

The Rome club now enters the season under pressure to respond quickly. Without European football for a second consecutive campaign, domestic performances will come under even greater scrutiny.

Lazio’s away record in opening matches is mixed, and despite winning at the Dall’Ara last season, they arrive with questions hanging over both confidence and consistency.

Team News

The squad has undergone notable changes. Defender Mario Gila has departed for Milan, while goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has completed a move to Inter. In response, Lazio have added Davide Frattesi, Danilo Doekhi and Alfonso Pedraza, with all three potentially set for immediate involvement.

Fitness concerns persist, though. Gustav Isaksen, Patric and Danilo Cataldi are all doubts heading into the trip to Bologna, potentially limiting Gattuso’s options.

In attack, finding reliable goals remains a priority. Isaksen and Pedro finished as the club’s joint-leading scorers in Serie A last season with just five goals each. Petar Ratkov impressed during pre-season with six goals, while Tijjani Noslin and Boulaye Dia are also competing for starting roles in the forward line.

Key Factors to Consider

• Both clubs are beginning new managerial eras under Domenico Tedesco and Gennaro Gattuso.
• Bologna struggled at home last season despite enjoying a strong overall campaign.
• Lazio have already suffered a major setback after their Coppa Italia elimination to Mantova.
• Riccardo Orsolini remains Bologna’s primary attacking threat after four consecutive double-digit Serie A scoring seasons.
• The visitors have undergone significant squad changes, including the departures of Mario Gila and Ivan Provedel.
• Confidence levels may be fragile on both sides after underwhelming pre-season and early-season results.

Conclusion

Neither side enters the opener in ideal condition. Bologna are still adapting to a new manager and a reshaped squad, while Lazio are attempting to recover from a humiliating early cup exit and navigate a difficult transition under Gattuso.

Both teams possess enough quality to trouble the other, but there are just as many questions surrounding stability, tactical cohesion and confidence.

With two managers still learning about their squads and neither side looking fully settled, a draw appears the most likely outcome to begin their respective Serie A campaigns.

Soccer Predictions

Premier League

Premier League

Prediction: Brighton vs Aston Villa

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Espanyol vs Real Madrid

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.