Bologna continue their defence of the Coppa Italia as they host Lazio in the quarter-final, aiming to reach the last four of the competition. The Rossoblu lifted the trophy last season — their first in over five decades — but this campaign has been a mixed bag. After a promising start, Bologna have struggled in Serie A, collecting just six points from their last 12 league games and suffering consecutive defeats at home, placing pressure on coach Vincenzo Italiano’s side to rediscover form.
Despite recent league woes, Bologna have recorded favourable recent history against Lazio, including three wins in their last five league meetings and a significant 5–0 victory over them last season. Forward options may see rotation as Bologna balance Coppa Italia, league and European commitments. Possible attacking starters include Thijs Dallinga or Santiago Castro, while reserve full-backs Charalampos Lykogiannis and Lorenzo De Silvestri remain out. Bologna’s ability to convert opportunities and maintain defensive organisation will be key if they are to break their recent home run without victory.
Lazio arrive in Emilia Romagna seeking their eighth Coppa Italia success and have already knocked out AC Milan in the last 16. The Biancocelesti have endured an inconsistent stretch in Serie A, featuring draw, defeat and narrow victories, and currently sit slightly above Bologna in the league.
Maurizio Sarri’s side struggle for consistency on the road, scoring just eight goals in 12 away league matches and finding it difficult to force clean sheets away from home. Key attackers such as Daniel Maldini — who has featured as a false nine — and Petar Ratkov provide tactical variation, though the absence of captain Mattia Zaccagni and defensive figures like Samuel Gigot and Manuel Lazzari may hamper Lazio’s cohesion. Lazio’s ability to remain compact and find cutting through balls or transition goals will determine their chances of progressing.