Verona-Bologna, the lineups and where to watch it on TV

Bologna, 9 March 2025 – On the day he knocks on the door of 'his' Bentegodi ("I played between Verona and Chievo for thirteen years, I know every corner of that stadium") there is a number that is going around in your head Vincenzo Italiano: 78. The number of days that have passed since the last away victory.

At the Stadio Olimpico in Turin it was December 21st when Dallinga and Pobega's goals wrapped up the Christmas present for the fans. From that day away from the Dall'Ara the Bologna brought home three draws (the one with Inter was exhilarating, the ones with Empoli and Lecce were disappointing) and one defeat (with Parma). Meager loot for those who are a steamroller in front of their own fans and, according to the standings, are cultivating the ambition of returning to Europe.

Italian he's not one to mince words when he has to get to the heart of the matter. "In the last period - says the coach - we have alternated great performances at the Dall'Ara with less than stellar performances away. And instead we must always be the same, at home and away: this is what makes the difference in a team".

The coach's recipe for not having to suffer the symptoms of 'transferitis' again is simple: "We need more attention and personality, and in this circumstance also more ferocity because I know the Verona and its warm environment and I know that a tough match awaits us". Another message: "When preparing for a match the imponderable is always lurking and it is not coachable: see the defeat in the first leg. But you can train the attitude and mentality and you must not get those wrong".

The first leg is the incredible karakiri of December 30th at the Dall'Ara, that bloody 2-3 signed in the final by an own goal by Castro that was the result of individual errors and adverse astral conjunctions. Three goals in one night and three more, in total, spread over the following 9 games: one would think that the Verona in attack ran out of ammunition that night. But that would be a misleading thought.

"I believe that the Verona he will play a very different match from the last one he played, losing to Juve", he says Italian alluding to Monday's 0-2 at the Stadium, seventy minutes of barricades embellished by the beautiful goal by Suslov, later disallowed for offside. "The Bentegodi it's an environment that drags you along and I imagine a Verona who will attack with many men", says the coach.

From here Bentegodi and a whole new world opens up for him. "Two hundred and sixty games with the shirt of Verona and one more beautiful than the other – he says Italian –. So many emotions, even some disappointment: but it's always nice for me to enter that stadium".

Last time the Bologna came out with a victory, however, dates back to November 20, 2017, a 3-2 by Donadoni. Eight years later, a new blitz is being sought, but without the contribution of the suspended Freuler. "His absence is heavy – he admits Italian – but we will try to be ready". Also because Europe is calling. "There are still thirty-three points and we know what we are playing for". A lot. But that's the beauty of a Bologna who today feasts at the table of the greats.

Verona-Bologna, the formations

Verona-Bologna: the official formations

VERONA - Montipò; Valentini, Dawidowicz, Coppola; Tchatchoua, Niasse, Duda, Bradaric; Bernede, Suslov; Sarr. Coach Zanetti

BOLOGNA - Skorupski; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumì, Miranda; Moro, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro. Italian All.

Verona-Bologna, where to watch it on TV

Stadium: Marcantonio Bentegodi of Verona Time: 12.30 Referee: Rapuano of Rimini Live TV: DAZN