Bernardeschi’s Penalty Lifts Bologna Closer to Europe Amid Late Drama Against Udinese

Key Takeaways:

• Bologna secured a 1-0 victory over Udinese at home last night, marking consecutive Serie A wins for the first time since November
• Federico Bernardeschi converted a controversial late penalty following a VAR intervention for Jesper Karlstrom’s challenge on Santiago Castro
• Vincenzo Italiano’s side ended a four-game losing streak in league matches played after European fixtures and now shift focus to their upcoming Europa League Last 16 playoff against Brann on Thursday night

Match Analysis

Bologna edged past Udinese in a contentious Serie A encounter at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, where Federico Bernardeschi’s late spot-kick proved decisive. The encounter’s opening saw both sides grappling for creativity, typical of a mid-table clash, as neither side managed to generate clear opportunities early on.

The first genuine chance materialised for Tommaso Pobega, whose powerful effort from 25 yards was expertly parried by Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye on 35 minutes. Reinvigorated, Bologna immediately pressed for a breakthrough, with Santiago Castro attempting a spectacular volley from the edge of the box, only to fire narrowly over the target. The hosts finished the half strongly, seeking to overcome a sequence of four defeats in Serie A matches taking place after their European outings.

A HUGE WIN ON HOME TURF ❤️💙#BolognaUdinese #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/yDqWLCLpXd

— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) February 23, 2026

Key Moments and Decisive Penalty

Following the break, Bologna emerged with momentum, continuing to press Udinese’s defence. On 54 minutes, Riccardo Orsolini capitalised on a defensive mishap, but Okoye was quick off his line to deny the winger, and Jonathan Rowe’s follow-up chip was eventually cleared off the line by Jordan Zemura.

The match was ultimately settled in controversial fashion. Referee Matteo Marcenaro awarded a penalty after a protracted VAR review concluded that Jesper Karlstrom had fouled Santiago Castro on the fringe of the area. Amid the ensuing confusion, Bernardeschi maintained composure and dispatched his penalty to claim his second goal in as many Serie A fixtures against Udinese.

Late Pressure and Man of the Match

Udinese attempted to muster a response in the closing stages, with Nicolo Zaniolo steering a measured effort wide and Jakub Piotrowski’s free-kick forcing a save from Bologna’s Lukasz Skorupski. Despite their late surge, the visitors failed to break through, allowing Bologna to secure the three points and continue their European ambitions. Vincenzo Italiano’s charges now pivot to preparing for their Europa League Last 16 playoff second leg against Brann on Thursday night.