Swabians secure victory over FC Bologna in the pre-season friendly encounter
In the heart of Stuttgart, the MHP Arena played host to an exciting preseason test match on August 9, 2025. The home team, VfB Stuttgart, faced off against the Coppa Italia holders, FC Bologna.
Sebastian Hoeneß, the head coach of VfB Stuttgart, led his team against Vincenzo Italiano, the coach of FC Bologna. The match served as a dress rehearsal before the DFL Supercup clash against FC Bayern, providing both teams with an opportunity to test player form, tactical setups, and build squad chemistry ahead of their upcoming season campaigns.
The match was competitive and closely contested, with Bologna edging Stuttgart with a 1-0 victory. Martin Vitík scored the winning goal for FC Bologna, marking a memorable moment for the Italian team.
Despite the defeat, VfB Stuttgart had a solid preseason overall. They had won four out of five games, with the only draw being against PSV Eindhoven. Their victories included wins over Celta Vigo, FC Toulouse, and SV Fellbach, as well as another closed-door test against Racing Strasbourg.
This friendly match was part of VfB Stuttgart's broader preseason that included other friendlies with positive results. FC Bologna, on the other hand, used the friendly as a chance to prepare tactically and physically for the challenges ahead in Serie A.
For those interested in visual recaps, highlights and full match footage of the game are available online. FC Bologna's victory came just months after they won the Coppa Italia, ending a 51-year drought for the Italian club.
As the season approaches, both teams will look to build on their preseason performances and aim for success in their respective league campaigns.
Sebastian Hoeneß's VfB Stuttgart and Vincenzo Italiano's FC Bologna played a close preseason football match in Stuttgart, with the latter emerging victorious in the European-leagues encounter. Despite the defeat, Stuttgart showcased impressive preseason form, winning four out of five matches, including victories against Celta Vigo, FC Toulouse, and SV Fellbach, before their upcoming season campaigns.
