Serie A

Fiorentina vs. Bologna: a crucial Appennine Derby

Fiorentina need all three points against a Bologna side pushing towards the top of the table.

A high-stakes Derby dell’Appennino takes place at the Franchi as Fiorentina host Bologna. The Viola, hoping to put their worst start in the three-points-per-win era behind them, must beat the Rossoblù to secure their first win in Serie A this season. Vincenzo Italiano’s men, however, have other plans. Bologna haven’t started a campaign this well since 2000/01 and, after getting the better of Pisa and Cagliari, are aiming for a third consecutive win.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

There have been 79 previous official matches between the two teams at the Franchi, with Fiorentina winning 42, drawing 23 and Bologna winning 14.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fiorentina had not started a Serie A season without winning in the first seven matchdays since 1977/78. That year, the Viola's first win came on the ninth matchday, against Bologna (1-0 at the Dall'Ara with the decisive goal scored by Andrea Orlandini on 27 November 1977). Fiorentina have lost all three of their home games so far this season; their last positive result at the Franchi was against Bologna, a 3-2 win on 18 May.

COACHES and PLAYERS

This is the ninth official meeting between Stefano Pioli and Vincenzo Italiano: in the previous eight, the Viola coach has won five and the Rossoblù coach three. Stefano Pioli is the former manager of the day: he coached Bologna from October 2011 to January 2014, recording 32 wins, 28 draws and 37 defeats in 97 official matches. Vincenzo Italiano, former manager of the day: as a coach, he has 162 official appearances with Fiorentina, with a record of 77 wins, 36 draws and 49 defeats, from the 2021/22 season to 2023/24. Riccardo Orsolini is the top scorer in Serie A 2025/26 with five goals. Nico Paz and Christian Pulisic are in second place with four goals.

DISCIPLINE

Suspended: none Cautioned: none

REFEREE

LA PENNA (IMPERIALE – PRETI) IV: GUIDA, VAR: PATERNA, AVAR: MARINI

UPCOMING MATCHES IN SERIE A

Inter-Fiorentina (Wednesday 29 October, 20.45 CET) Bologna-Torino (Wednesday 29 October, 20.45 CET) (Foto Getty Images)