Bologna rallied from a Benedyczak opener to beat Parma 2-1 in the Coppa Italia, Rowe equalised and Santiago Castro grabbed a late winner. Ciro Immobile returned and new keeper Vicente Guaita debuted. Betting angle: punters may back Bologna to progress in the cup and favour them in upcoming ties, but consider cautious stakes given recent Serie A form dip — a bet on Bologna to win and both teams to score could offer value.
Bologna stage late comeback to reach Coppa Italia quarter-finals
Bologna recovered from an early Adrian Benedyczak strike to beat Parma 2-1 in the Coppa Italia round of 16, with Jonathan Rowe levelling before Santiago Castro’s 89th-minute header sealed the win. The victory sends the Rossoblu into the last eight to face either AC Milan or Lazio.
Match summary
Bologna dominated possession and chances but fell behind when Benedyczak exploited an offside trap on 13 minutes. The hosts grew into the game and equalised through Jonathan Rowe’s follow-up after his initial effort hit the post on 38 minutes. Parma weathered spells of pressure, but Santiago Castro rose unmarked to nod in Emil Holm’s cross deep in stoppage time to decide the tie.
Key moments
- 13' Adrian Benedyczak (Parma) — sprung the offside trap and finished past the keeper. - 38' Jonathan Rowe (Bologna) — converted a rebound after a shot hit the far post. - 89' Santiago Castro (Bologna) — headed home from an Emil Holm cross to clinch the win.
Team news and personnel
Ciro Immobile made his first squad appearance since August after a thigh strain, while Parma handed a debut to new goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. Bologna were still missing Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler and Martin Vitik. Parma were without several options due to suspension and injury.
Notable substitutions
- Bologna: Santiago Castro and Ciro Immobile introduced to boost the attack. - Parma: Benja Cremaschi and Hernani were used as attempts to shift momentum.
Match statistics
Possession: Bologna 72% – Parma 28% Total shots: Bologna 16 – Parma 6 Shots on target: Bologna 6 – Parma 3 Corners: Bologna 11 – Parma 1
Lineup highlights
Bologna starters included Federico Ravaglia in goal, Jonathan Rowe and Giovanni Fabbian among the midfielders, and Federico Bernardeschi and Thijs Dallinga in attack. Parma’s side featured Adrian Benedyczak up front and Vicente Guaita between the posts.
What this means for betting and competition outlook
Bologna’s late resilience and superior possession suggest they remain strong cup contenders; punters could consider backing Bologna to progress further, especially if they draw Milan or Lazio. Given both teams found the net in this tie and Bologna’s attacking control, markets such as “Bologna to win & both teams to score” or a short-priced outright on Bologna in the quarter-final could offer value, but recent league wobble advises moderate stake sizing.
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