Bologna launch Coppa Italia title defence with hard-fought comeback win

Bologna opened their Coppa Italia campaign with a gritty 2–1 comeback victory over Parma, overturning an early setback after a precise strike from Benediczak put the visitors ahead. The hosts clawed their way back thanks to Rowe, who first rattled the post before reacting quickest to bury the rebound and level the score.
The closing stages grew increasingly tense, but the decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute. Castro rose highest to meet a pinpoint delivery from Holm, steering his header into the net and sealing Bologna’s place in the quarter-finals. There, they will face the winner of the AC Milan vs Lazio clash.
2025-26, Coppa Italia
Bologna - Parma 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Benedyczak, 13 (0:1); Rowe J., 38 (1:1); Castro S., 89 (2:1)
Bologna: Ravaglia F.; Holm E.; Heggem; Lykogiannis; Lucumí; Sulemana I. (Pobega, 70); Ferguson L.; Fabbian (Odgaard, 80); Bernardeschi (Immobile, 80); Rowe J. (Domínguez B., 70); Dallinga (Castro S., 70)
Substitution: Pobega (from 70); Domínguez B. (from 70); Castro S. (from 70); Immobile (from 80); Odgaard (from 80)
Bench: Pessina; Zortea; De Silvestri; Juan Miranda; Moro N.; Cambiaghi; Orsolini
Yellow Cards: Pobega 87
Parma: Guaita; Del Prato; Lövik; Britschgi; Troilo; Trabucchi (Estevez, 55); Keita M.; Ordonez (Hernani A., 86); Cremaschi (Djuric M., 86); Ondrejka (Oristanio, 46); Benedyczak (Cutrone, 65)
Substitution: Oristanio (from 46); Estevez (from 55); Cutrone (from 65); Hernani A. (from 86); Djuric M. (from 86)
Bench: Corvi; Rinaldi F.; Valeri; Bernabe; Begić Т.; Sørensen O.; Valenti L.; Pellegrino M-o; Almqvist
Yellow Cards: Cremaschi 72; Hernani A. 86