Parma vs Bologna – News and Probable Lineups

Bologna, one of the top-performing teams in Serie A, will look to continue their winning streak as they face local rivals Parma on Saturday evening.

With the revitalized Rossoblu winning three consecutive matches before their trip to Stadio Tardini, their hosts are also showing signs of improvement.

Match overview

Parma’s new head coach Alberto Gilardino, who was appointed during the recent international break, had a challenging start in his new role.

The club’s second-highest Serie A goal scorer has not enjoyed a commendable record in management, as he lost his opening two matches since rejoining Tardini.

However, a hard-fought draw with Udinese provided him with a foundation to build on, followed by a resounding victory against a struggling Atalanta side on Monday night.

Young talent Simone Lontani scored the final goal during a convincing 3-0 away win, helping the Gialloblu escape the relegation zone, amassing eight points so far from 10 games.

With their confidence boosted significantly, they now look forward to the Derby dell’Emilia; after their 1-0 victory in February, Parma will aim for consecutive wins against Bologna.

Conversely, the visitors have different ambitions, especially given that they have lost just one of their last seven league fixtures at Tardini.

Bologna also sits six points ahead of their historical rivals in Serie A, bolstered by an impressive series of results under new management.

Since the appointment of Raffaele Palladino in mid-September, only league leaders Lazio have accrued more points, and the Rossoblu have recently secured their third consecutive win.

Following victories over Cagliari in Sardinia and AC Milan at San Siro – the latter significantly aided by Samuel Mbangula’s hat-trick – Palladino faced off against his former club Monza.

The match proved to be a challenge, as Bologna came from behind – with Lukasz Skorupski saving a penalty – to achieve their first home win this season.

In contrast to some disappointing home results at Stadio Dall’Ara, only Como has more away victories in Serie A this calendar year, indicating they will certainly chase maximum points in Parma.

Team News

The home side will miss two potential starters for Saturday’s fixture, as the injury-prone midfielder Adrian Bernabe has sustained a thigh strain during training, while young defender Dominik Drobnic is dealing with a left foot injury.

Abdoulaye Ndiaye is expected to come in for Drobnic in Parma’s back three, but it remains uncertain who will feature in the attacking third.

Lontani has netted three Serie A goals from just four shots on target and is among several possible candidates for a forward role: El Bilal Toure leads a list that includes David Romero, Nesta Elphege, Ousmane Diallo, and Matija Frigan.

While Bologna’s forwards have had a quiet season thus far, wingers Mbangula and Federico Bernardeschi have both scored three goals each.

Additonally, attacking left-back Juan Miranda has provided an assist in each of his last four games.

Although Roberto Piccoli should be back in the Rossoblu squad, they will be without an injured trio consisting of Lorenzo De Silvestri, Jay Enem, and Emil Holm.

Parma probable starting XI:

Daffara; Delprato, Troilo, Ndiaye; Britschgi, Fabbian, Sierro, Keita, Valeri; Far away, Toure

Bologna probable starting XI:

Skorupski; Darmian, Casale, Theate; Zortea, Ferguson, Pobega, Miranda; Bernardeschi, Cambiaghi; Odgaard

With 10 top-flight away victories already this calendar year – setting a new club record with nearly two months remaining – Bologna will pose a serious threat to Parma.

Now looking more structured and effective in attack, the visitors can seek maximum points in this regional derby.