Bologna will take on Celtic in an important UEFA Europa League group phase match at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara this Thursday.
The Rossoblu may welcome the chance to turn their attention back to Europe after a difficult spell on the domestic front. Their recent UEFA Europa League form has been encouraging, with three wins from their last four matches, leaving them just two points shy of the top eight.
However, those European positives contrast sharply with their overall results, as Bologna have managed only one victory in their last nine matches across all competitions inside 90 minutes.
That run includes Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina, a result that further dented their hopes of securing European football next season. Home form has also become a concern, with four losses in their last six matches at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Celtic, meanwhile, come into this match after a sobering 3-0 defeat to Roma in their most recent Europa League outing, a result that has left them sitting 24th in the league standings, the final spot for the knockout-phase play-offs.
Despite that precarious position, the Hoops showed their away credentials last time on the road in Europe, winning 3-1 at Feyenoord. Another victory would see them claim successive away wins in a European main competition.
Signs of improvement are also emerging domestically, as following a poor start to the year that included a 3-1 loss to Rangers and the subsequent dismissal of Wilfried Nancy, Celtic have responded with three straight wins without conceding under interim boss Martin O’Neill.
Read our Bologna vs Celtic predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other UEFA Europa League predictions.
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Bologna vs Celtic prediction: Expect a draw in this game
Key statistics
- First-half draws have been played in four of their last five home games.
- Bologna have played a full-time draw in two of their last five league games.
- Both teams have played BTTS in four of their last five games in their respective leagues.
Correct score prediction: Bologna 1-1 Celtic
We anticipate a closely fought battle that could end in a draw. We predict a 1-1 draw for the game based on their recent performances.
Given that there is no previous competitive history between these two teams to draw from, we believe the Italian will control the tempo, but will find it hard to get a win.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bologna are backed to win
- Home: 1/2 (1.50) – 66.7%
- Draw: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
- Away: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Ahead of this fixture, Bologna are installed as clear favourites at 1.50, which implies a 66.7% chance of a home win. Celtic are priced at 5.75, giving them a 17.4% implied probability of springing an away surprise, while the draw is available at 4.40 (22.7%).
The odds underline Bologna’s perceived strength on home soil, though the prices suggest Celtic are not completely written off.
Most recent head-to-head: No recent meetings
This fixture marks the first time these two clubs have met in a competitive UEFA competition. Consequently, there are no recent meetings to elaborate on between the two sides.
However, looking at their current European form in the 2025/26 campaign, Bologna have been the more stable side, currently sitting 13th with 11 points, while Celtic have found life more difficult, languishing in 24th place with only 7 points.
This suggests that while both are new to each other, the host have adapted better to the rigours of the Europa League format this season.
After reviewing our key Bologna vs Celtic predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Bologna preview: Squad fitness and injury worries
Bologna will be without Federico Bernardeschi, who is ruled out until at least February due to injury, while defensive pair Martin Vitík and Jhon Lucumí remain doubtful ahead of this fixture.
After a disappointing home defeat to relegation-threatened Fiorentina at the weekend, head coach Vincenzo Italiano may look to freshen things up by making several changes to his starting line-up.
Predicted lineup: Ravaglia (GK), Holm, Casale, Heggem, Miranda, Freuler, Pobega, Orsolini, Fabbian, Rowe & Castro
Last five fixtures
- 18.01.26 – Bologna 1–2 Fiorentina
- 15.01.26 – Verona 2–3 Bologna
- 10.01.26 – Como 1–1 Bologna
- 07.01.26 – Bologna 0–2 Atalanta
- 04.01.26 – Inter 3–1 Bologna
Celtic preview: Absences and returning players
Celtic head into the trip to Bologna with several key players unavailable, as Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi are all sidelined through injury.
After making wholesale changes for the Scottish FA Cup clash with Auchinleck Talbot, interim manager Martin O’Neill is expected to recall his strongest available XI for this European fixture, with no major rotation anticipated.
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, Engels, McGregor, Hatate, Yang, Maeda & Tounekti
Last five fixtures
- 18.01.26 – Auchinleck Talbot 0–2 Celtic
- 14.01.26 – Falkirk 0–1 Celtic
- 10.01.26 – Celtic 4–0 Dundee Utd
- 03.01.26 – Celtic 1–3 Rangers
- 30.12.25 – Motherwell 2–0 Celtic
Player to watch: Santiago Castro
Santiago Castro is the player to watch for Bologna as he is currently in exceptional form. The young Argentine striker was the hero in the recent 3-2 win against Hellas Verona, where he scored a spectacular right-footed volley to secure the three points.
He has now recorded six goals and two assists, showing a level of consistency that has made him indispensable to the team. His ability to find space in crowded penalty areas will be a significant test for a Celtic defence that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks.