Bologna are one of Italy’s established old clubs, founded in 1909 and based at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Their name carries weight in Serie A, even if the current picture is more modest than grand: in the 2026-27 season they sit 14th, with their Coppa Italia run having reached the third round.
The squad is sizeable, at 34 players, and relatively young with an average age of 25. Its market value is around £234m, according to Transfermarkt, which places Bologna in the sort of financial bracket Celtic supporters will recognise as serious but not untouchable.
There is no obvious single source of goals so far. Federico Bernardeschi, Artem Dovbyk, Jay Enem, Riccardo Orsolini and Roberto Piccoli have each scored once, while Bologna have struck first inside 20 minutes in five of their 13 league matches. That points to a side capable of starting sharply, even if their league position suggests the consistency has not followed.
For Celtic supporters, Bologna stand as a technically credible Italian opponent rather than an elite one: established, well-resourced, and currently navigating an uneven Serie A campaign.
📈 Key stats and insights
⚔️ How they compare to Celtic
Against Celtic, Bologna present a contrasting profile: Celtic hold the clear edge in attack and league position, while Bologna's primary hope is to frustrate opponents with defensive organisation; Celtic are the more threatening team going forward, whereas Bologna's strength lies in limiting chances and forcing low-scoring contests.
