Hellas Verona vs Bologna Preview: Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Hellas Verona and Bologna are set to clash at Stadio Bentegodi this Thursday, both seeking their first win of the new year. Following disappointing performances recently, both teams aim to secure vital points in Serie A.

Match Preview

Hellas Verona is struggling, having only managed one point from their initial three fixtures of 2026. A recent 1-0 defeat to Lazio has left them deeply entrenched in the relegation zone. They have only secured one victory from 11 home games this season, putting them just above promoted Pisa in the standings.

Historically, Verona’s current lack of home points mirrors their 2015-16 season, a campaign that ended with relegation. Head coach Paolo Zanetti faces urgent challenges as his team has conceded in their last eight league matches and has failed to find the back of the net in three of the last four.

Bologna, managed by Vincenzo Italiano, enters the game following a 2-1 victory over Verona in their last encounter last March. Despite this, Bologna has struggled significantly since December, going winless in their last seven Serie A matches. They currently sit ninth in the league, having gained only three points in that span.

Recent Form

• Hellas Verona Serie A form: W W L L D L
• Bologna Serie A form: D L D L L D
• Bologna overall form: W L D L L D

Bologna’s recent decline is evident, as key player Riccardo Orsolini has scored just once in his last 11 league appearances. The team will also be without Jhon Lucumi and Federico Bernardeschi due to injury, and Nicolo Cambiaghi is suspended after receiving a red card in his last match.

Team News

Hellas Verona will still be missing Tomas Suslov and Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro due to injuries. However, Rafik Belghali has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and may start. Gift Orban, Daniel Mosquera, Amine Sarr, and promising forward Giovane are in the running to secure two starting positions up front.

On the Bologna side, the competition for the forward position remains fierce, with Thijs Dallinga and Santiago Castro fighting for dominance in the attacking role. Ciro Immobile, a substitute striker, holds a record of 10 goals in 14 games against Verona, with seven of those goals scored at Bentegodi.

Predicted Lineups

This match is crucial for both teams, as they attempt to claw their way off the bottom of the table. The anticipation is high as they aim to finally break their winless streaks. As it stands, El-Balad predicts a close encounter, with Bologna slightly favored to edge out Verona, potentially winning 2-1.