Bologna vs Torino: Palladino set for debut in Serie A Matchday 5 clash
Raffaele Palladino is poised to begin his Bologna reign when Torino visit the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Saturday, with the hosts desperate for their first Serie A win of 2026/27.
Match facts
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture | Bologna v Torino | Serie A, Matchday 5 |
| Kick-off | 19 September 2026, 9:00 AM | Stadio Renato Dall’Ara |
| League positions | Bologna 16th; Torino 14th | Both have played four matches |
| Live coverage | Paramount+ and Peacock | Streaming availability listed for the match |
Bologna have taken only one point from their opening four league games, prompting the change in the dugout after Domenico Tedesco’s exit. Palladino, who has previously taken over Atalanta during a campaign, inherits a side still without a victory.
The Rossoblu’s lone league point came in a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo. They have also suffered defeats against Napoli, Atalanta and Lazio, while their latest result was a 1-0 home loss to Napoli. Across their past five games in all competitions, Bologna have drawn once and lost four times, scoring five and conceding five.
Injury problems further complicate Palladino’s first preparations. Oussama El Azzouzi, Riccardo Orsolini, Artem Dovbyk and Nadir Zortea are unavailable. Massimo Pessina is expected to start in goal, while Federico Bernardeschi, Roberto Piccoli and Nicolo Cambiaghi are among the likely starters as the new staff settle on their team.
Torino arrive under pressure
Torino’s own start has offered little comfort. Ignazio Abate’s team are 14th, and their only success in the last five competitive fixtures was a 2-1 Serie A win away at Fiorentina. They have been beaten in four of those five games across all competitions.
Roma won 2-0 against Torino last weekend, with Donyell Malen and Nicolo Pisilli scoring for the league leaders. Torino have also lost three of their previous four league matches and exited the Coppa Italia against Monza. Their five-game return is four goals scored and six conceded.
Abate will be without Pietro Pellegri, Cesare Casadei, Franco Israel and Che Adams. Lucas Perri is in line to keep goal, with Nikola Vlasic and Giovanni Simeone expected to provide the main attacking threat. Neither club has reported a suspension.
Bologna won the latest meeting, beating Torino 2-1 away in February 2026. The Rossoblu hold the stronger recent record, with three victories in the past five head-to-head encounters; Torino have one win and the other match was drawn. Bologna have scored nine goals to Torino’s five over that sequence.
Next comes a significant early test for Palladino and Bologna. Victory would lift immediate pressure around the club, while Torino need a response after another damaging defeat in Rome.
