Bologna kicks off their Coppa Italia title defense with a Round of 16 clash against local rivals Parma.
The match is set to begin at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 17:00 GMT.
The victor will advance to face either AC Milan or Lazio in the quarter-finals.
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No extra time will be played in this round; if the teams are tied after 90 minutes, they will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Vincenzo Italiano, head coach of Bologna, is celebrated by his players after their Coppa Italia Final victory over AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images).
The Rossoblu won the Coppa Italia last season, marking their first triumph in this tournament in 52 years.
Italiano’s squad had been on an impressive streak, remaining unbeaten across all competitions since their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on September 25, with seven wins and five draws.
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This run came to an unexpected halt with a 3-1 defeat to Cremonese at home on Monday, highlighted by a brace from Jamie Vardy.
While Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler, and Martin Vitik are still sidelined, Ciro Immobile makes his return to the squad after suffering a serious thigh strain on August 23.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma celebrates scoring with teammates Patrick Cutrone and Adrian Bernabe during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2025. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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Parma advanced by eliminating Pescara and then narrowly defeating Spezia via penalties in earlier rounds of the Coppa Italia.
Elia Plicco will miss the match due to suspension following his red card in the previous game, while Zion Suzuki, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Alessandro Circati, and Matija Frigan remain injured.
After a 2-0 loss to Udinese over the weekend, the Ducali are currently just one point above the relegation zone.
This match will mark a debut for new goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and a start for rising USMNT player Benja Cremaschi.
Bologna vs. Parma Line-ups
Bologna: Ravaglia; Holm, Lucumi, Heggem, Lykogiannis; Ferguson, Sulemana; Bernardeschi, Fabbian, Rowe; Dallinga
Parma: Guaita; Delprato, Troilo, Trabucchi; Britschgi, Ordonez, Keita, Cremaschi, Lovik; Ondrejka, Benedyczak