Monday evening at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium will see the first Serie A clash of the 2026‑27 campaign between Bologna and Lazio. Both clubs have appointed high‑profile managers - Domenico Tedesco at Bologna and Gennaro Gattuso at Lazio - and have already introduced several new faces. The line‑ups give a clear picture of how each side intends to start the season.
New managers, new philosophies
Tedesco arrives in Bologna after a successful spell in Germany and replaces Vincenzo Italiano. His first XI features a blend of proven Serie A talent and recent arrivals, signalling a desire to play an attacking 4‑3‑3. Gattuso, the former Italy head coach, takes over from Maurizio Sarri at Lazio. Known for his intensity, Gattuso has kept the core of the previous season’s midfield while slotting in two free‑transfer defenders to tighten the back line.
Transfer activity that shaped the squads
Bologna’s summer window was quiet but effective. The club secured Roberto Piccoli on a permanent deal and added Artem Dovbyk on loan from Roma with an option to buy. Both forwards are expected to partner with the experienced Nicolo Cambiaghi and the dynamic Riccardo Orsolini. In midfield, the trio of El Azzouzi, Ferguson and Odgaard will provide the engine room for Tedesco’s system.
Lazio, meanwhile, bolstered their attack by bringing Davide Frattesi on loan from Inter, also with a buy option. The club also signed centre‑back Josip Sutalo from Ajax and added Danilho Doekhi and Alfonso Pedraza on free transfers. These additions give Gattuso more options at the back and a fresh creative spark up front.
Confirmed line‑ups
Both managers have named their starting eleven. Bologna line‑up (4‑3‑3): goalkeeper Andrea Skorupski; defenders Zortea, Heggem, Helland and Miranda; midfielders El Azzouzi, Ferguson and Odgaard; and the front three Orsolini, Piccoli and Cambiaghi.
Lazio line‑up (4‑3‑3): goalkeeper Mandas; defenders Marusic, Doekhi, Provstgaard and Pedraza; midfielders Dele‑Bashiru, Rovella and Taylor; and the attacking trio Cancellieri, Dia and Zaccagni.
Tactical preview
Bologna’s back four is built around height and aerial ability, with Helland and Miranda offering set‑piece threats. In midfield, El Azzouzi’s ball‑winning will allow Ferguson to drift forward and link with Piccoli, who is expected to operate as a false nine, dropping deep to create space for Orsolini’s runs.
Lazio’s defensive trio of Doekhi, Provstgaard and Pedraza gives Gattuso a more compact line, while Marusic provides experience between the sticks. The midfield trio combines physicality (Dele‑Bashiru) with technical ability (Rovella) and box‑to‑box work (Taylor). Up front, Cancellieri’s hold‑up play should free Dia and Zaccagni to exploit the spaces behind Bologna’s defence.
What the match means for the table
Both clubs finished just outside European spots last season - Bologna eighth, Lazio ninth. A win would give the early momentum needed to push for a top‑six finish, while a loss could see them slip into a mid‑table battle.
Prediction
Given the familiarity of Lazio’s midfield and the added defensive solidity, the match is likely to be tight. Bologna’s new attacking trio may need a few games to gel, so a 1‑1 draw feels like a realistic outcome, with both sides scoring late in the second half.
Tedesco’s gamble on a front three that relies on fluid movement is bold, but it may be too early for Piccoli to lead the line. Gattuso’s defensive tweaks give Lazio a sturdier base, making them slight favourites on the day.
If Bologna can unlock Piccoli’s link‑up play, they could challenge for a European spot early on. Lazio’s reinforced back line should reduce the goals they concede, helping them stay in the top‑four race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bologna are led by Domenico Tedesco, while Gennaro Gattuso is in charge of Lazio.
Roberto Piccoli starts alongside Riccardo Orsolini and Nicolo Cambiaghi in Bologna's attack.
Lazio will line up in a 4‑3‑3 formation with Mandas in goal, a back four of Marusic, Doekhi, Provstgaard and Pedraza, and a midfield trio of Dele‑Bashiru, Rovella and Taylor.