Bologna and Sassuolo Share Spoils in Tactical Stalemate
Key Takeaways
- Bologna and Sassuolo played to a 1-1 draw at Renato Dall'Ara
- Giovanni Fabbian and Tarik Muharemovic traded second-half goals in tight encounter
- Bologna dominated possession at 58.3% but couldn't find winning breakthrough
- Sixth-placed Bologna and ninth-placed Sassuolo both earned hard-fought points
Players in this Match
BOLOGNA, ITALY — Giovanni Fabbian emerged as Bologna's brightest spark, netting early in the second half to give the hosts hope, but Tarik Muharemovic's close-range header ensured sixth-placed Bologna and ninth-placed Sassuolo settled for a 1-1 draw at Renato Dall'Ara. Bologna dominated the ball with 58.3% possession, pinning Sassuolo back for long stretches, yet couldn't convert their territorial advantage into three points against a resilient visiting side sitting three places and four points below them in the table.
The opening 45 minutes passed without incident as both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, but the match exploded into life immediately after the restart. Just 47 minutes in, Fabbian broke the deadlock with a composed right-footed finish from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal, converting Nadir Zortea's perfectly weighted cross. The Bologna midfielder's clinical strike appeared to have set the hosts on course for victory, but their lead lasted just 16 minutes. Sassuolo responded emphatically in the 63rd minute when Muharemovic powered home a header from very close range to the bottom right corner, meeting Armand Laurienté's dangerous cross following a corner to restore parity.
The tactical battle showcased contrasting approaches, with Bologna's Nikola Moro and Tommaso Pobega controlling the tempo in midfield while Sassuolo's Nemanja Matic provided defensive steel. Jonathan Rowe caused problems down Bologna's left flank, constantly testing the Sassuolo backline, while Jhon Lucumí and Martin Vitík stood firm for the hosts. Both goalkeepers earned their keep, with Federico Ravaglia and Arijanet Muric each making four crucial saves to preserve the stalemate. Ravaglia produced a particularly impressive stop in the 68th minute, denying Kristian Thorstvedt's effort from the centre of the box, while Muric matched him with a fine save from Fabbian's long-range attempt just a minute later.
Bologna created more chances overall, registering 16 shots to Sassuolo's eight, yet Sassuolo were clinical, putting five of their eight shots on target compared to Bologna's six from 16 attempts. The possession statistics told a similar story of Bologna's dominance without the cutting edge, as they controlled nearly 60% of the ball but couldn't translate that superiority into a winning goal. The visitors' efficiency in front of goal kept them in the contest throughout.
The turning point arrived in the 70th minute when Bologna manager made a triple substitution, introducing Ciro Immobile, Santiago Castro, and Benja Domínguez in search of a winner. The fresh legs injected urgency into Bologna's attack, but Sassuolo's defensive organization, marshalled by Jay Idzes and Tarik Muharemovic, held firm through a nervy final 20 minutes. Riccardo Orsolini and Nadir Zortea continued to probe from wide areas, but the breakthrough never materialized as five minutes of added time passed without further drama.
Looking ahead, Sassuolo travel to face Parma on January 3, while Bologna host Internazionale on January 4.