Early strike from Dallinga gives Bologna a crucial away win as the Rossoblù return to victory on Serie A Matchday 29.
Bologna claimed a 1–0 victory over Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium, winning the Emilia derby thanks to an early goal from Dutch striker Thijs Dallinga.
The result allows Vincenzo Italiano’s side to return to winning ways in Serie A and keep pace with the teams fighting for the European spots, while also providing a confidence boost ahead of their upcoming Europa League round-of-16 clash with Roma.
The match began with a lively tempo, and Bologna quickly made their early momentum count. In the sixth minute, Dallinga found space inside the penalty area, positioned himself well against Jay Idzes, and fired a sharp turn and finish past goalkeeper Amir Muric to give the visitors the lead.
Sassuolo responded immediately and pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Andrea Pinamonti tested Lukasz Skorupski with a dangerous attempt, forcing the Bologna goalkeeper into a difficult save. Moments later Armand Laurienté also threatened, but the Rossoblù defense managed to hold firm.
Bologna looked to respond mainly through Riccardo Orsolini and Nicolò Cambiaghi, both active in attack but unable to find the target. Nikola Moro also tried his luck from a direct free kick, which sailed just wide of the goal.
The first half ended with Bologna still leading and continuing to look dangerous on the counterattack.
After the break, the match remained open. Sassuolo gradually took more control of possession and pushed Bologna deeper into their own half, creating several promising situations in the final third.
However, Fabio Grosso’s side lacked precision in the decisive moments, and Skorupski proved reliable whenever called upon, making key interventions to protect the lead.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Sassuolo failed to find a breakthrough, allowing Bologna to secure a valuable three points.
The defeat prevents Sassuolo from overtaking Bologna in the standings, while the Rossoblù can now shift their focus to their European campaign with renewed confidence.
Match Report
Sassuolo 0-1 Bologna
Goals:
6’ Dallinga (Bologna)
Sassuolo (4-3-3):
Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Garcia (75’ Doig); Thorstvedt, Matic (59’ Volpato), Koné (75’ Vranckx); Berardi (87’ Bakola), Pinamonti (59’ Nzola), Laurienté.
Coach: Fabio Grosso
Bologna (4-2-3-1):
Skorupski; De Silvestri (29’ Zortea), Vitik, Lucumì, Miranda; Sohm (83’ Pobega), Moro (64’ Freuler); Orsolini, Odgaard (83’ Bernardeschi), Cambiaghi; Dallinga (64’ Castro).
Coach: Vincenzo Italiano
Referee: Bonacina
Yellow Cards: Dallinga, Nzola, Zortea
Red Cards: None
