Bologna vs Parma Prediction

Bologna vs Parma prediction: derby tension at Dall’Ara

The Bologna vs Parma prediction story writes itself: a regional derby, two teams with bruised confidence, and a Sunday lunch kickoff (2026-02-08, 11:30 GMT) that could taste sweet for one side and very bitter for the other. Matchday 24 brings them to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, where the mood is “we need points” rather than “we look great in possession charts.”

Context, form, and why this derby feels heavier

Bologna sit 10th and Parma 16th, and the table explains the tension without any poetry. Bologna’s 2026 has been uneven, and the 3-0 loss at Milan on February 3 was the kind of night that makes a coach rewatch the first 20 minutes three times and sigh each time. Parma arrive after a 4-1 defeat to Juventus (February 1), a reminder that survival seasons rarely come with calm weekends.

Still, Parma have shown they can be stubborn: they recently held Napoli to a 0-0 away draw (2026-01-14) at huge odds, a result that looked impossible until it wasn’t. Bologna, meanwhile, managed a surprising 1-1 at Inter (2025-12-19) when the market expected a home win, another clue that this team can raise its level in big settings—even when logic tries to leave early.

Tactics and team news: plans, problems, and patchwork

Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna usually line up in a 4.1-3-1, built on control and territory. The problem lately has been the part where the ball goes into the net. After dominating spells against Milan but not scoring, Italiano pushed the message of “be more concrete”—football language that means “stop missing.” With Ciro Immobile gone in January, the weight shifts toward Thijs Dallinga and Jonathan Rowe to turn neat moves into goals.

• Bologna absences: Lukasz Skorupski is likely out (suspension plus muscle issue), so Federico Ravaglia is expected in goal.
• Fitness doubts: Jhon Lucumí (hamstring) is a late call; Martin Vitík (thigh) and Nicolò Cambiaghi (calf) are doubtful.
• More issues: Federico Bernardeschi is recovering from a collarbone injury; Santiago Castro has had a virus but could make the bench.

Parma under Carlos Cuesta have switched between 3-5-2 and 4.1-3-1, searching for the right balance. After the Juventus loss, Cuesta spoke about recovering “defensive compactness,” which is polite talk for “stop giving away the easy spaces.” Hans Nicolussi Caviglia’s quick adaptation in midfield should help them keep the ball a bit more, because defending for 90 minutes is a long hobby.

• Parma absences: Zion Suzuki is out with a broken hand (expected back mid-February).
• Unavailable: Lautaro Valenti and Pontus Almqvist (muscle injuries) are unlikely to feature.
• Long-term: Matija Frigan is out with a cruciate ligament injury; Alessandro Circati’s fitness is still being monitored.

Head to head notes that matter

The recent head to head gives Bologna a psychological edge: on 2025-12-04 they won 2-1, a match decided late by Santiago Castro. Derby games never follow scripts perfectly, but they do remember moments.

Bologna vs Parma prediction and betting tips explained

Now for the numbers, where our Bologna vs Parma prediction gets practical. The 1X2 odds show a clear lean: Bologna 1.63, draw 4.1, Parma 6.1. That gap matches the squad value difference too—Bologna at €289.50m versus Parma at €149.40m—which usually shows up in depth, especially late in games.

• Best tip: Home win (1) with confidence 8.5/10 at odds 1.633.
• 1X2 market pick: 1 (Bologna) with trust level 8.6 at odds 1.633.
• Goals market: Over 1.5 goals with trust 6.0 at odds 1.33.

Why does the home win rate so highly? Bologna’s structure at home, Parma’s injury list (including their starting keeper), and the general trend that Parma’s best recent results came from perfect defensive discipline—something Cuesta admitted has slipped. Add the derby atmosphere and Bologna’s need to “start scoring points at home,” echoed by sporting director Marco Di Vaio, and the motivation line points one way.

The goals angle is calmer: over 1.5 isn’t asking for fireworks, just a match that doesn’t get stuck at 0-0. Parma have shown they can produce that kind of stalemate (Napoli), but Bologna’s setup should create enough chances to push the game past one goal—especially if Parma chase anything late.

Correct score lean: 2-0 Bologna, with a 1-0 first half. That fits a scenario where Bologna start fast, manage the rhythm, and keep Parma at arm’s length—basically the ideal Italiano afternoon, minus the stress-eating.