Bologna vs. Sassuolo for an Emilia Derby

The season concludes with the derby between Bologna and Sassuolo, a positive year for both sides, marked by the neroverdi’s return to Serie A and the rossoblù’s victory in the Coppa Italia. Italiano’s men, who have picked up just one point in their last three matches, must quickly shake off the disappointment of the defeat in Riyadh and get back to winning ways, with three points missing since November 22. The visitors, after a win over Fiorentina and an excellent draw against Milan, lost at home to Torino and are eager to end 2025 on a high note.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the 11th Emilia derby hosted by Bologna: in the previous 10, there have been 4 home wins (most recently 4–2 in Serie A 2023/24), 2 draws (most recently 1–1 in Serie A 2016/17) and 4 Sassuolo wins (most recently 1–3 in Serie A 2021/22).

DID YOU KNOW?

Bologna have scored at home against Sassuolo in eight consecutive matches, with 17 goals in total. Their last home game without scoring against Sassuolo was Bologna–Sassuolo 0–1 in Serie A 2015/16.

COACHES and PLAYERS

Riccardo Orsolini is the top Serie A scorer in the 2025 calendar year: with 15 goals, he is one ahead of Lautaro Martínez (Inter, 14) and two ahead of Christian Pulisic (Milan, 13) and Mateo Retegui (Atalanta, 13—scored in the first part of the year only).

Riccardo Orsolini has scored four penalties in Serie A in 2025: he is the player with the most penalties converted, level with Vlašić (Torino).

Armand Laurienté is Sassuolo’s most-used player in 2025: 33 appearances out of 36 official matches played in the calendar year. The Frenchman is also Sassuolo’s top scorer, with 13 goals.

Andrea Pinamonti (Genoa/Sassuolo) is one of the two Serie A players who have missed the most penalties in the 2025 calendar year (January to date): 2, level with Pulisic (Milan).

DISCIPLINE 

Suspended: none

Cautioned: Miranda, Cambiaghi (Bologna), Muharemovic, Doig (Sassuolo)

REFEREE

SACCHI J.L. (POLITI – RICCI) IV: FELICIANI, VAR: DI PAOLO, AVAR: NASCA

UPCOMING MATCHES

Inter-Bologna (Sunday, January 4, 20.45 CET)

Sassuolo-Parma (Saturday, January 3, 15.00 CET)

(Photo Getty Images)