Bologna’s return to Serie A action ended in frustration as they were held to a 1-1 draw by US Sassuolo at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, just days after their Supercoppa Italiana final loss to Napoli.
The result extended the Rossoblù’s winless run in the league to four matches (two draws, two defeats), further denting their push for a top-four finish.
Sassuolo, aiming to record their first victory over Bologna in three years, started brightly and wasted two clear chances inside the opening half-hour.
Andrea Pinamonti was guilty on both occasions, first seeing an effort diverted around the post and then failing to beat Federico Ravaglia, who blocked with his leg as the striker closed in on goal.
Bologna grew into the contest and almost capitalised on a swift counter-attack led by Jonathan Rowe. The winger surged forward before feeding Thijs Dallinga, whose effort was partially saved by Arijanet Muric and then dramatically cleared off the line by Jay Idzes and Fali Candé.
The deadlock was eventually broken shortly after the restart, though Idzes was again involved for the wrong reasons.
Unable to stop Nadir Zortea’s low cut-back, the defender watched as Giovanni Fabbian swept home to score his first Serie A goal since March and put the hosts ahead.
However, Bologna’s advantage was short-lived. A costly error from Ravaglia allowed Sassuolo back into the game when the goalkeeper came off his line to punch a corner but was beaten to the ball by Tarik Muharemovic, who nodded home to net his second goal in four outings and secure a share of the spoils for the visitors.
