When Bologna Football Club 1909 travelled to Unipol Domus Stadium in Cagliari on October 19, 2025, they secured a 2‑0 win over Cagliari Calcio S.p.A. in the Serie A 2025‑26 season, thanks to strikes from Emil Holm and Riccardo Orsolini. Coach Vincenzo Italiano hailed the performance as a turning point.
Background: Bologna’s road‑trip woes
Before the match, Bologna were stuck in a miserable stretch on the road – their last away victory dated back to March 2025. The so‑called "curse of the away games" had cost them three points in five fixtures, leaving the Rossoblu (the "Red‑Blues") hovering mid‑table. By contrast, Cagliari had been solid at home, winning four of their previous six fixtures at the Stadio Sant'Elia. The clash therefore represented a classic David‑versus‑Goliath narrative, with both managers publicly promising a tactical showdown.
Match Overview
The first half unfolded with Bologna pressing high, forcing Cagliari into errors. In the 13th minute, Juan Miranda earned a yellow card for a late tackle, setting a physical tone. The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when Emil Holm latched onto a perfectly timed pass from Jens Odgaard. The ball slipped through the Cagliari back line, and Holm slotted it home – a strike described by local media as "a goal of robbery" because of its audacity.
Cagliari tried to answer, but Bologna’s defensive shape, marshalled by goalkeeper Michele Ravaglia, held firm. A lone lapse – a mistimed tackle on Felici – was highlighted by Italiano as the only blemish.
The second half saw Cagliari pushing forward, resulting in a yellow card for Lewis Ferguson in the 62nd minute after a robust challenge. Yet Bologna remained disciplined. In the 80th minute, a brilliant exchange between Benja Domínguez and Riccardo Orsolini produced what reporters called "a gem" – Orsolini’s curled finish left the Cagliari keeper sprawling.
Substitutions were limited; the most notable was Sebastiano Esposito entering in the 76th minute, though he didn’t alter the scoreline. The final whistle confirmed a 2‑0 victory, breaking Bologna’s away drought and nudging them to the summit of the Serie A table.
Key Moments and Statistics
- 31' – Emil Holm scores after a pass from Jens Odgaard.
- 80' – Riccardo Orsolini finishes a move set up by Benja Domínguez.
- Yellow cards: Juan Miranda (13'), Lewis Ferguson (62'), Charalampos Lykogiannis (90+2').
- Possession: Bologna 54% – Cagliari 46%.
- Shots on target: Bologna 6 – Cagliari 3.
Reactions from the Dugout
After the match, Vincenzo Italiano said, "We managed to concede little, apart from Ravaglia's tackle on Felici. The performance is valuable; these are three nice points for our standings." He added, "We feared Cagliari's ability to turn the game around, but we prepared well and took care of many aspects, managing the result without suffering in the final stages." Holm, still buzzing, declared, "Scoring my first Serie A goal of the season feels amazing – the team gave me space and believed in the plan." Orsolini, meanwhile, highlighted the collective effort, noting, "It’s not just my goal; the whole squad worked for this. The win gives us confidence heading into Europe."
Implications and Next Steps
With three points added, Bologna jump to the top of the league, overtaking Juventus by a single point. The win also restores confidence after a taxing international break, during which several key players returned from national duty. Italiano hinted at a cautious approach for the upcoming Europa League tie in Bucharest on October 23, stating, "Now we're going back home and on Wednesday we'll leave for Romania. A delicate and important rest of the week awaits us." The condensed schedule—four days between the Serie A match and the European fixture—means squad rotation will be vital.
For Cagliari, the defeat exposes defensive frailties that will need addressing if they hope to stay clear of the relegation zone. Their next Serie A game is against Lazio in Rome, a fixture that could determine whether they remain mid‑table or slip into danger.
Historical Context: Bologna’s Away Record
Bologna’s last away win before this triumph came on March 12, 2025, against Fiorentina. Between March and October, they collected just two draws and three losses on foreign soil. The pattern earned the nickname "the curse of the away games" among supporters. Breaking that spell not only lifts the squad’s morale but also shakes up the Serie A hierarchy early in the season.
Key Facts
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Venue: Unipol Domus Stadium, Cagliari, Sardinia
- Final Score: Bologna 2 – 0 Cagliari
- Goal Scorers: Emil Holm (31'), Riccardo Orsolini (80')
- Coach: Vincenzo Italiano (Bologna)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the win affect Bologna’s position in Serie A?
The three points lift Bologna to the top of the table, overtaking Juventus by a single point. It also gives them a crucial buffer ahead of the upcoming Europa League clash, making them early favourites for the title race.
What does the victory mean for Bologna’s away record?
It ends a six‑month drought without an away win, breaking the so‑called "curse of the away games." The triumph should boost player confidence and may signal a shift in tactical approach for future road fixtures.
Who are Bologna’s next opponents and when?
Four days after the Sardinian win, Bologna travel to Bucharest, Romania, for a UEFA Europa League match on October 23, 2025. The opponent has not been officially named yet, but the fixture promises a tight schedule.
What did the coaches say about the team's performance?
Vincenzo Italiano praised the defensive organization and highlighted the limited mistakes, calling the three points "valuable". He also noted the team's preparation and ability to manage the result without succumbing in the final stages.
How did Emil Holm and Riccardo Orsolini describe their goals?
Holm said his 31st‑minute strike felt like a personal breakthrough, calling it “the perfect finish after a great run”. Orsolini described his 80th‑minute finish as “a gem” that reflected the team’s collective effort.
2 Responses
Life’s battles often echo on the pitch, and Bologna just shattered their away‑game jinx.
It’s almost poetic how a single strike can lift a whole squad’s spirits.
Now the Rossoblu can look forward to more road triumphs.
The win is mericless; it selves as a beacon toso the fans and the squad.
Even if the stats are modest it's still a big step forward.
Hope this ends the curse for good.