Bologna: Tedesco faces a major rebuild

Bologna finished eighth last season and are now entering a new chapter after Vincenzo Italiano left for Beşiktaş. Domenico Tedesco has been appointed as his successor on a contract running until 2028, while the squad has also undergone considerable changes. John Lucumí and Santiago Castro have departed, with Artem Dovbyk, Roberto Piccoli, and Mikel Amondarayn among the notable arrivals.

The preseason offered few signs of consistency, with Bologna ending their preparations with a 0-1 defeat against Brighton. One particular concern for Tedesco will be the team’s home record. Bologna collected 12 fewer points at the Dall’Ara than away from home last season, the biggest home-away points gap among clubs from Europe’s top five leagues.

There is still plenty of attacking quality available. Riccardo Orsolini remains an important creative outlet, while Jonathan Rowe can provide width. Up front, Dovbyk appears to have the edge over Piccoli for the starting role.

Lazio: Gattuso seeks an immediate response

Lazio are also beginning a new era, with Gennaro Gattuso taking charge this summer. His team enjoyed an impressive preseason, recording big wins against Flaminia, Avellino, Ascoli, Ostiamare, and Frosinone.

However, that positive momentum disappeared in their first competitive match. Lazio suffered a shock 0-2 home defeat to Serie B side Mantova on August 16, ending their Coppa Italia campaign at the first hurdle. Both goals arrived late in the match, making the result particularly painful for Gattuso in his first official game at the club.

The squad has also been reshaped. Ivan Provedel has joined Inter and Mario Gila has moved to Milan, while Davide Frattesi, Danilho Doekhi, and Alfonso Pedraza have arrived. Several of the newcomers could therefore be handed competitive debuts against Bologna.

Squad news and probable lineups

Neither team has confirmed its starting XI yet. Bologna currently have no major absentees, although Martin Vitík has only recently returned from a muscle problem. Lazio have Gustav Isaksen, Alessio Romagnoli, Danilo Cataldi, and Patric listed as unavailable. Mattia Zaccagni remains one to watch, as his fitness situation could determine whether he starts.

Probable Bologna lineup: Skorupski — Zortea, Heggem, Helland, Miranda — Ferguson, El Azzouzi, Bernardeschi — Orsolini, Dovbyk, Rowe.

Probable Lazio lineup: Mandas — Marusic, Doekhi, Provstgaard, Pedraza — Taylor, Rovella, Frattesi — Noslin, Dia, Zaccagni.