Serie A Double-Header: Watch Parma and Bologna on the Same Weekend

Ever fancied two Serie A games in two days, while visiting one of the world’s food capitals?

It’s perfectly doable. Take the weekend of November 21-22, for example.

Parma host Roma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini at 6pm on the Saturday, while Bologna entertain Udinese the following day at the same time.

Although the first game is at the Tardini, flying to Bologna on the Friday and getting the train is the best bet. Parma’s airport is small and not as well connected, while the journey between the two cities takes less than an hour.

Once in Parma explore the Teatro Regio, the heartbeat of Italy’s opera tradition along with La Scala in Milan, La Fenice in Venice and the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, before stopping at Ristorante Cocchi on Viale Antonio Gramsci for lunch. The restaurant was recommended by Carlo Ancelotti, who spent five seasons in Parma as player and manager.

Head for a stroll up to Parco Ducale, across the river from the old town, take in the stunning Palazzo Ducale facade and the fountains and statues dotted across the park.

Stop at Da Pepen and tuck into one of their famous sandwiches, before a pre-match beer at Bar Torrefazione in Piazzale Risorgimento, just across the road from the stadium.

On Sunday morning, visit Pappare, just across the road from Bologna’s iconic two towers, for a spot of breakfast. Spend the next few hours walking around town – Bologna is an amazing city to get lost in and the famous porticoes are stunning – then head to Trattoria Da Me for lunch, a favourite of Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson.

Then it’s off to the Stadio Dall’Ara. Get there in time for a drink at Bar Maratona or Enoteca Dei Pigri, then join the Rossoblu fans for a nightcap at Bar Tito, an Italia 90-themed time capsule in the city’s eastern suburbs.

Parma and Bologna are also at home in October, with the Rossoblu hosting Inter on October 17 and Parma welcoming Torino on October 19. This weekend would also allow you the chance of taking in an extra game, with Serie B side Cesena entertaining Avellino on October 18. Alternatively, if you fancy a spot of Serie C action, Reggiana and Ravenna are both at home on the same day. Cesena, Reggio Emilia and Ravenna are all within an hour of Bologna by train.

For more information and tips for booking a trip to watch Parma, check out our Parma playbook.

For more information and tips for booking a trip to watch Bologna, check out our Bologna playbook.