Bologna vs Parma: Coppa Italia Title Defense Begins

Bologna vs Parma: A Cup Showdown in Emilia-Romagna

As defending champions, Bologna kick off their Coppa Italia title defense against Serie A rivals Parma in a crucial all-Emilian showdown. This match, set for Thursday, December 4th at the Renato Dall'Ara stadium, marks the beginning of Bologna's journey to retain the trophy they shockingly won against AC Milan last season.

Head-to-Head: A History of Emilian Rivalry

Bologna enters this fixture with a significant psychological advantage. The Rossoblu dismantled Parma 3-1 in their last encounter earlier this season, continuing a dominant head-to-head record. In their last five meetings, Bologna has secured three wins, compared to Parma's solitary victory. This recent form suggests Bologna's tactical superiority, especially when playing at home.

Team News: Injuries and Key Players

Bologna faces several absentees, with Martin Vitik, Remo Freuler, and Lukasz Skorupski sidelined due to injuries. Despite these losses, manager Vincenzo Italiano has a strong defensive record to lean on—three clean sheets in their last five games and four shutouts in their last six home matches. Expect rotation opportunities for players like Emil Holm and Lewis Ferguson. The big question revolves around talisman Riccardo Orsolini, who has netted eight goals in 14 Coppa Italia appearances. Will he lead the attack or rest ahead of a congested fixture calendar?

Parma's situation is more dire. They'll miss key defenders Alessandro Circati and Abdoulaye Ndiaye, alongside first-choice keeper Zion Suzuki. Veteran Vicente Guaita is likely to start between the sticks, though Edoardo Corvi could also feature. Up front, Mateo Pellegrino has been Parma's cup hero with three goals, typically playing alongside Patrick Cutrone. However, their away form is alarming—one win in six away games, three defeats, and only three goals scored.

How to Watch: Live Stream and TV Details

For fans in the US, the match will be broadcast live on Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network, and Amazon Prime Video. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 pm ET (6:00 pm local time). Viewers abroad can use a VPN like NordVPN to access their preferred streaming service.

Prediction: Bologna's Title Defense Gets Underway

Bologna enters this match fresh off a disappointing 3-1 loss to Cremonese, but the scoreline flattered the opposition. With one eye already on this cup clash, the Rossoblu dominated chances and will likely respond fiercely. Their defensive solidity at home, combined with Parma's porous away record, makes Bologna the clear favorite. Expect a commanding performance as they begin their campaign to retain the Coppa Italia crown.