Bologna vs Fiorentina Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 18 January

Bologna will host Fiorentina in an intriguing Serie A clash on Sunday, 18 January, at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. This fixture promises to be a compelling encounter as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the league standings. With Bologna playing on home turf, they will be hoping to use their familiarity with the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara to secure a vital victory.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, are eager to continue their pursuit of points away from home, making this a significant fixture in their Serie A campaign. The outcome of this match could have important implications for both sides as they navigate the challenges of the league. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see which team can capitalise on this opportunity to gain an edge in the standings.

Bologna vs Fiorentina Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw	3.3

Given the recent form and match dynamics, the recommended betting tip is a draw at full time. Both teams have shown competitive performances, but neither has been dominant enough to secure a clear victory.

• Bologna have scored in 75% of their matches this season, indicating they are likely to find the net, but consistent scoring remains an issue.
• Fiorentina’s recent form, with only one loss in their last five games, shows they are tough to beat.
• Historical matchups suggest a tight contest, as evidenced by their last encounter ending in a draw.

Bologna’s difficulty converting chances at home, combined with Fiorentina’s solid away performances, suggests a balanced contest.

Betting Odds

Bologna enter this Serie A clash as favourites with odds of 2.16, reflecting their solid home form at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Fiorentina, meanwhile, are priced at 3.4, suggesting an opportunity for those backing an upset.

Bet Recommendation	Odds
Bologna to win	2.16
Draw	3.3
Fiorentina to win	3.4

The draw is also an appealing prospect at 3.3, especially given the competitive nature of past encounters between these two sides. Bettors may also consider backing both teams to score, given their attacking capabilities.

Bologna Analysis & Past Performance

Bologna’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one victory in their last five matches, alongside two losses and two draws. This sequence includes a 3-2 win against Verona, highlighting their attacking capabilities, but defensive frailties remain evident as they conceded two goals in that match.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Verona	Bologna	2 – 3 (Win)	Serie A	15 Jan 2026
Como	Bologna	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	10 Jan 2026
Bologna	Atalanta	0 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	7 Jan 2026
Inter	Bologna	3 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	4 Jan 2026
Bologna	Sassuolo	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	28 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Bologna have averaged 1.20 goals per match over their last five fixtures, with their defence conceding an average of 1.80 goals per game. Their inability to keep a clean sheet during this period is a concern. However, they have managed to score in four of these matches, demonstrating a reasonable attacking threat. The team has shown a capacity for comebacks, as seen in their recent draw with Como (1-1), but defensive lapses often undermine their efforts.

Their home performance this season has been slightly better, with a win ratio of 40% at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. In contrast, their overall win ratio stands at 30%, underlining the challenge they face in maintaining consistency across different venues. Riccardo Orsolini remains a key figure in their attack, having netted seven goals this season, and his contribution will be vital if Bologna are to improve their standing in Serie A. Currently positioned 8th in the league, Bologna’s defence must tighten to enhance their prospects of climbing the table.

• WDLLD

Bologna Suspensions & Injuries

Bologna face a challenging situation with key players Federico Bernardeschi and Jhon Lucumí unavailable due to injuries. Bernardeschi’s collarbone injury keeps him out until mid-February, while Lucumí is doubtful with a muscle injury. Their absence is significant, especially considering Bernardeschi’s creative influence in attack and Lucumí’s defensive solidity. This could force Bologna to rely more heavily on players like Jonathan Rowe and Nicolò Casale to fill these gaps. The team’s tactical setup may need adjustments, perhaps focusing on a more compact midfield to mitigate the loss of Bernardeschi’s offensive contributions.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Nicolò Cambiaghi	Red card	2	Unknown

The suspension of Nicolò Cambiaghi adds to Bologna’s woes, as he serves a two-match ban following a red card. Cambiaghi’s suspension further limits Vincenzo Italiano’s attacking options, potentially affecting their ability to maintain pressure against Fiorentina. The coach may consider a more conservative approach or give opportunities to squad players who can step up in Cambiaghi’s absence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Federico Bernardeschi	Collarbone injury	Mid February 2026
Jhon Lucumí	Muscle injury	Doubtful

Bologna Key Players

Bologna’s attacking threat will be led by their top scorer Riccardo Orsolini, who has already netted seven goals this season. Orsolini’s ability to find the back of the net from various positions makes him a constant danger to any defence. His role as a forward is crucial, as his movement and finishing skills are expected to put pressure on Fiorentina’s backline.

In midfield, the presence of Remo Freuler and Tommaso Pobega is significant. Freuler, known for his work rate and ball distribution, will be key in controlling the tempo of the game. Pobega, with his ability to break lines and contribute both defensively and offensively, adds dynamism to Bologna’s midfield. In defence, Nicolò Casale’s composure and tackling prowess will be vital in organising the backline and thwarting Fiorentina’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Bologna

• Goalkeeper: Federico Ravaglia
• Defence: Nadir Zortea, Nicolò Casale, Juan Miranda, Torbjørn Lysaker Heggem
• Midfield: Remo Freuler, Tommaso Pobega, Jonathan Rowe, Giovanni Fabbian, Benjamin Domínguez
• Forward: Santiago Castro

Bologna Tactics and Formation

Bologna Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Santiago Castro
• Midfield Pivot: Remo Freuler and Tommaso Pobega
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: High possession and attacking through the wings.

Bologna’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to maintain control in midfield and create opportunities from the flanks. With Remo Freuler and Tommaso Pobega anchoring the midfield, the team aims for a balance of defensive resilience and attacking thrust. Jonathan Rowe and Benjamin Domínguez, positioned on the wings, are crucial for stretching the opposition’s defence and providing service to Santiago Castro up front.

Defensively, the absence of key players such as Jhon Lucumí has necessitated adjustments, with Nadir Zortea and Nicolò Casale stepping into the defensive line. This has affected their ability to keep clean sheets, as evidenced by conceding in their last five matches.

Offensively, Bologna’s approach involves maintaining high possession, as shown by their 61% possession in the last game against Verona. This strategy allows them to build attacks patiently, focusing primarily on exploiting the wings to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Fiorentina Analysis & Past Performance

Fiorentina’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Notable performances include a commanding 5-1 victory over Udinese and a solid 1-0 win against Cremonese. However, their away form remains a concern, as they have failed to secure a victory in their last five outings on the road, drawing twice and losing three times.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fiorentina	AC Milan	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	11 Jan, 2026
Lazio	Fiorentina	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	07 Jan, 2026
Fiorentina	Cremonese	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	04 Jan, 2026
Parma Calcio 1913	Fiorentina	1 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	27 Dec, 2025
Fiorentina	Udinese	5 – 1 (Win)	Serie A	21 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• DDWLW

Fiorentina have been relatively consistent in front of goal, averaging 1.80 goals per game in their last five matches, while conceding an average of 1.00 goal per match. Their attack has been spearheaded by Moise Kean, who has netted five goals this season. Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet in their last five games, indicating potential vulnerabilities at the back. Despite these challenges, Fiorentina’s ability to score in four out of their last five matches highlights their offensive capabilities.

Fiorentina Suspensions & Injuries

Fiorentina face a couple of injury concerns ahead of their clash with Bologna. Tariq Lamptey is sidelined with a knee injury, with no clear return date set, while Edin Džeko is dealing with physical discomfort and remains doubtful for the match. This could impact Fiorentina’s depth in both the defensive and attacking phases, as Lamptey’s pace and Džeko’s experience are valuable assets.

The absence of Lamptey may require a reshuffle in the defensive lineup, but with Dodô, Pietro Comuzzo, and Robin Gosens available, Fiorentina still maintain a solid backline. In attack, the uncertainty around Džeko could see Moise Kean and Albert Guðmundsson tasked with leading the line, ensuring that the team retains its offensive threat.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Tariq Lamptey	Knee injury	Unknown
Edin Džeko	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

With no suspensions to consider, Fiorentina coach Daniele Cavalletto can focus on optimising his tactical setup to compensate for the injuries. The existing squad has the potential to adapt, maintaining the 4-1-2-3 formation that has proved effective in previous matches. This stability could play a crucial role in their Serie A fixture against Bologna.

The betting markets may view these injuries as a potential weakness for Fiorentina, but the team’s resilience and depth should not be underestimated. Their ability to adapt tactically might still give them an edge in this encounter, especially if they can exploit Bologna’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Fiorentina Key Players

Moise Kean stands out as Fiorentina’s top scorer with an impressive tally of five goals this season. His prowess in front of goal is unmatched in the squad, and his ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses makes him a crucial asset in the forward line. Kean’s dynamic playing style, combining speed and strength, often puts him in the right place at the right time, making him a constant threat to opposition defences.

The midfield dynamism is largely driven by Nicolò Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora, whose creativity and ball distribution are essential for Fiorentina’s attacking transitions. Fagioli’s vision and ability to pick a pass can break down even the most resilient defences, while Mandragora’s defensive acumen helps shield the backline. In defence, Robin Gosens provides both stability and attacking support from the wings, his versatility adding depth to Fiorentina’s tactical setup.

• Goalkeeper: David de Gea
• Defence: Dodô, Pietro Comuzzo, Robin Gosens, Marin Pongračić
• Midfield: Nicolò Fagioli, Cher Ndour, Rolando Mandragora
• Forward: Fabiano Parisi, Moise Kean, Albert Guðmundsson

Fiorentina Tactics and Formation

Fiorentina Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-2-3
• Key Forward: Moise Kean
• Midfield Anchor: Rolando Mandragora
• Defensive Structure: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and wing play emphasis.

Fiorentina are set to deploy a 4-1-2-3 formation, aiming to provide balance between defence and attack. Rolando Mandragora serves as the midfield anchor, offering protection to the backline while facilitating transitions. Moise Kean, the team’s leading scorer, spearheads the attack, supported by wingers Fabiano Parisi and Albert Guðmundsson.

Defensively, Fiorentina rely on the experience of David de Gea in goal, with a backline comprising Dodô, Pietro Comuzzo, Robin Gosens, and Marin Pongračić. This setup has shown some vulnerabilities, with Fiorentina managing just one clean sheet in their last five encounters.

Offensively, Fiorentina’s approach is characterised by high pressing and dynamic wing play. The team look to exploit the flanks through Parisi and Guðmundsson, aiming to create opportunities for Kean. Despite their attacking prowess, Fiorentina’s recent form has been inconsistent, particularly away from home, where they have struggled to secure victories.

Bologna vs Fiorentina Head-to-Head Record

In their 41 head-to-head encounters, Fiorentina have the upper hand with 18 wins compared to Bologna’s 8, while 16 matches have ended in a draw. Their most recent meeting saw a thrilling 2-2 draw in October 2025, with Fiorentina hosting the match in Serie A.

The last time Bologna hosted Fiorentina was in December 2024, when Bologna secured a solid 1-0 victory in Serie A. This win was part of a brief resurgence for Bologna at home against Fiorentina, having also won 2-0 earlier that year.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fiorentina	Bologna	2 – 2	Serie A	2025-10-26
Fiorentina	Bologna	3 – 2	Serie A	2025-05-18
Bologna	Fiorentina	1 – 0	Serie A	2024-12-15
Bologna	Fiorentina	2 – 0	Serie A	2024-02-14
Fiorentina	Bologna	0 – 0 (Extra time: 0 – 0) (Penalty shoot-out: 5 – 4)	Coppa Italia	2024-01-09