Bologna are one of Italy’s older names, founded in 1909 and based at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. For Celtic supporters, they sit in that useful category of continental opponent: established, recognisable, and currently awkward rather than imposing.
The 2026-27 season has started poorly. Bologna are eighteenth in Serie A, with recent league form showing three draws and three defeats from their last six matches: 1-1 with Torino, 1-0 defeats at Napoli and Atalanta, a 2-2 draw with Sassuolo, a 0-1 home loss to Lazio, and a 3-3 draw with Inter Milan.
The numbers point to a side short of edge. At home they are averaging one goal scored and 1.3 conceded per match; away from home, they have yet to average a goal while conceding one per game. Federico Bernardeschi, Artem Dovbyk and Roberto Piccoli lead their scoring, each with one goal.
The squad is not thin on paper: 33 players, an average age of 25, and a market value of around £234m, according to Transfermarkt. They have also been involved in the Coppa Italia, reaching the third round.
Bologna remain a substantial Italian club, but their present standing is modest. For Celtic, the relevance is straightforward: a technically credible opponent in a difficult league, currently trying to turn possession of resources into results.
📈 Key stats and insights
⚔️ How they compare to Celtic
Against Celtic, Bologna are at a clear disadvantage: Celtic sit top with eighteen points and bring a superior balance of goals and consistency, while Bologna's meagre scoring rate and patchwork squad selection give Celtic the edge in attack and overall form; Bologna's best chance would be to make the game tight and rely on set-piece moments, but their lack of cutting edge makes that a thin hope.
