Regardless of the outcome, there was a depressing atmosphere in the Giallorossi camp because everyone assumed it was Juric's last game. Despite losing Martin Erlic, Oussama El Azzouzi, Michel Aebischer, and Nicolò Cambiaghi, the Rossoblu were coming off back-to-back Serie A triumphs, while Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Mario Hermoso, and Alexis Saelemaekers were still out due to injuries. Mile Svilar was directly hit by Juan Miranda's long-range volley, and Riccardo Orsolini's risky pass flashed across the face of goal for Bologna, but two teammates sliding in missed the mark. Rather, Dan Ndoye had to be carried out after colliding with the upright with his shin.
Despite Zeki Celik's presence, Bologna grabbed the lead from a corner when Jhon Lucumi flicked on Orsolini's set play, allowing Santiago Castro to bundle across the line.