Can Bologna Keep the Home Streak Alive? Bologna FC vs Udinese Preview & How to Watch

The 2025-26 Serie A season remains a tightly contested affair, and Matchday 26 brings a high-stakes encounter as Bologna FC vs Udinese Calcio at the historic Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

This fixture on Monday, February 23, 2026, features two clubs separated by only a single point in the mid-table standings. With Bologna in 8th place (33 points) and Udinese in 11th (32 points), a victory for either side could be the catalyst needed to push toward the European qualification spots in the final third of the season.

Bologna FC vs Udinese Calcio Team News, Tactical Analysis, Predicted XI, and Where to Watch

• Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
• Kick-off Time: 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT (19:45 local time)
• Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna
• Competition: Serie A Enilive – Matchday 26
• Referee: Matteo Marcenaro

Season Narrative: The Quest for Consistency

Bologna’s European Hangover vs. Home Stability Bologna, under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, has had a challenging yet rewarding season. Balancing the rigors of Serie A with their Europa League commitments has tested the squad’s depth to its limits.

While their away form has been erratic, the Dall’Ara has remained a sanctuary for the Rossoblù. They enter this match on an impressive streak, having remained unbeaten in their last seven home league matches against Udinese. Their defensive structure at home has been particularly noteworthy, often serving as the foundation for their patient, possession-based build-up play.

Udinese: Resilience Amidst Injury Chaos Udinese’s season has been defined by a “next man up” mentality. Significant injuries to key starters have plagued the Friulian side since the start of the campaign. Despite these setbacks, they remain a dangerous opponent, particularly on the counter-attack.

Udinese has a habit of making life difficult for Bologna in their own backyard, having scored in seven of their last eight away games at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Their objective will be to exploit the fatigue Bologna might be feeling from their recent continental travels.

Team News & Injury Updates – Bologna FC vs Udinese

Selection availability will play a massive role in the tactical setups of both managers for this Monday night clash.

Bologna FC

Manager Vincenzo Italiano is sweating over the fitness of his primary attacking outlet.

• The Striker Dilemma: Thijs Dallinga is a major doubt after suffering an ankle injury in the previous outing against Torino. This could lead to a starting role for young Santiago Castro.
• Availability: Tommaso Pobega returns to the matchday squad after serving his suspension. However, Charalambos Lykogiannis remains out with a muscle injury until early March.
• Late Assessments: Jhon Lucumí and Nikola Moro are undergoing late fitness tests due to physical discomfort, while Benjamin Dominguez is sidelined with the flu.

Udinese Calcio

Udinese’s medical department continues to be the busiest part of the club.

• Season-Ending Blow: Alessandro Zanoli is officially out for the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
• Short-term Absentees: Both Keinan Davis (adductor) and Hassane Kamara (muscle) are targeting a return in the first week of March, meaning they miss this crucial trip to Bologna.
• The X-Factor: All eyes are on Nicolò Zaniolo, who has reclaimed his spot in the starting eleven and represents Udinese’s most potent creative threat from the midfield.

Tactical Analysis: Style vs Substance

Bologna: The Italiano System

Vincenzo Italiano favors a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 that prioritizes high pressing and wide attacking play. With the potential absence of Dallinga, Bologna will rely more heavily on their wingers, Federico Bernardeschi and Samuel Rowe, to provide service for Santiago Castro. The midfield duo of Remo Freuler and the returning Moro will be tasked with controlling the tempo and preventing Udinese from launching their trademark fast breaks.

Udinese: The Counter-Punchers

Udinese is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 (transitioning to 5-3-2 in defense) to absorb Bologna’s pressure. With Zaniolo playing in a free role behind Vakoun Issouf Bayo, Udinese will look to win the ball in the middle third and quickly transition. Their defensive line, led by Jaka Bijol (if fit) or Thomas Kristensen, must remain disciplined to avoid being dragged out of position by Bologna’s interchanging attackers.

Bologna FC vs Udinese Calcio Starting XIs

Bologna FC (4-2-3-1):

• GK: Lukasz Skorupski
• Defense: Joao Mario, Martin Vitik, Jhon Lucumí, Juan Miranda
• Holding Midfield: Nikola Moro, Remo Freuler
• Attacking Midfield: Federico Bernardeschi, Antonis Sohm, Samuel Rowe
• Forward: Santiago Castro

Udinese Calcio (4-4-2):

• GK: Maduka Okoye
• Defense: Filippo Bertola, Thomas Kristensen, David Arizala, Jordan Zemura
• Midfield: Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Miller, Sandi Karlström, Yassine Atta
• Forwards: Nicolò Zaniolo, Vakoun Issouf Bayo

Match Prediction: Home Advantage to Tell

While Udinese has a history of scoring at the Dall’Ara, their current defensive absences and Bologna’s formidable home record suggest a win for the hosts. Bologna’s ability to dominate the ball should eventually wear down a resilient Udinese side.

• Final Score Prediction: Bologna 2–0 Udinese
• Key Stat: Bologna has not lost at home to Udinese in Serie A since 2017.

Where to Watch Bologna FC vs Udinese Calcio

For fans in North America, Matchday 26 is widely available across major streaming platforms.