Cesena Women edged Bologna Women 2-1 in Italy-B women’s league action on 25 October 2026, with Sofia Conti’s second-half winner settling a keenly contested Emilia-Romagna clash.

Bologna had briefly levelled through Francesca Rinaldi after Elisa Montanari had given Cesena a first-half lead. But Cesena responded with authority, regained control of midfield and found the decisive goal through Conti in the 71st minute. The win was a reward for Cesena’s persistence and their ability to raise their level after conceding.

Match overview

The first half was tight and tactical, with both teams cautious about committing too many players forward. Cesena gradually found space down the left and created the better chances. Their pressure told in the 34th minute when Elisa Montanari collected the ball on the edge of the area, shifted onto her stronger foot and fired into the bottom corner.

Bologna improved after the break and equalised in the 58th minute. Francesca Rinaldi reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and stabbed it home to silence the home crowd. For a moment, the momentum seemed to be with Bologna, but Cesena’s response was impressive.

They regained the lead in the 71st minute through Sofia Conti, who arrived at the back post to convert a deep cross. Bologna pushed for a second equaliser in the final stages, but Cesena’s defence held firm and the hosts managed the closing minutes calmly.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Cesena’s first clear chance is saved after a strong run from midfield.
• 34th minute: Elisa Montanari opens the scoring with a low finish from the edge of the box.
• 58th minute: Francesca Rinaldi equalises for Bologna Women.
• 71st minute: Sofia Conti restores Cesena’s lead with a back-post finish.
• 90+2 minutes: Bologna send a late header wide as Cesena see out the win.

Tactical story

Cesena Women controlled the first half through short passing and quick rotations in midfield. Their full-backs were aggressive, allowing them to stretch Bologna’s defensive line and create space for Montanari and Conti between the lines. Bologna, by contrast, looked most dangerous when they pressed high and forced turnovers in Cesena’s half.

After the equaliser, Bologna enjoyed their best spell of the match, but they were unable to sustain it. Cesena made a subtle tactical adjustment, tightening their midfield and preventing Bologna’s central players from turning with the ball. That change gave the hosts a platform to push forward again, and Conti’s winner came from exactly the kind of wide delivery they had been threatening all evening.

Standout performers

Montanari was central to Cesena’s attacking play, combining her goal with intelligent movement and link-up play. Conti’s winning goal capped a energetic performance, while Cesena’s goalkeeper made a crucial late save. For Bologna, Rinaldi took her goal well and was a constant threat on the counter, but her side lacked the control needed to hold onto their equaliser.

What it means

The win gives Cesena Women valuable points in the Italy-B women’s standings and bragging rights in a regional contest that always carries extra meaning. Bologna Women will rue the timing of the second goal, but their performance showed enough to suggest they will remain competitive. For Cesena, the challenge is to build on this result and turn home form into a sustained run.