Fiorentina vs Bologna predictions ahead of this Coppa Italia quarter-finals affair. Fiorentina and Bologna, separated by a single point in Serie A, meet in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Tuesday evening. Who will progress further? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Coppa Italia | Quarter-Finals — Jan 9, 2024 at 8pm UK at Stadio Artemio Franchi
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Fiorentina vs Bologna Predictions
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Fiorentina vs Bologna: A Tactical Tussle in the Coppa Italia Quarter-Finals
Key Stats
– Bologna have only won once on the road in Serie A this season.
– Joshua Zirkzee has been directly involved in 7 goals for Bologna in Serie A this season.
In an eagerly anticipated Coppa Italia quarter-final, Fiorentina and Bologna are set to lock horns, each carrying their distinct aspirations and challenges into this crucial encounter. Separated by a mere point in Serie A, this match not only serves as a potential springboard to silverware but also as a barometer of their respective seasons’ progress.
Team Dynamics and Strategies
Fiorentina’s Quest for Silverware
Under Vincenzo Italiano, Fiorentina, last year’s Coppa Italia runners-up, have shown a blend of resilience and flair. Despite recent setbacks, including a narrow loss to Sassuolo, their overall form has been ascending, particularly in the defensive aspect, with a series of clean sheets. The absence of key wingers like Nico Gonzalez and Riccardo Sottil, however, raises questions about their width and creativity on the flanks.
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Bologna’s Mixed Fortunes
Bologna, guided by Thiago Motta, has experienced a mixed bag of results. Their last-16 triumph over Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia was a highlight, showcasing their potential to cause upsets. However, their away form has been less than stellar, and the reliance on Joshua Zirkzee for offensive production could be a double-edged sword.
Key Match Aspects
Expected Goals and Offensive Output
Fiorentina’s average of 1.4 goals per game in Serie A, coupled with Bologna’s 1.2, suggests a tightly contested affair. Fiorentina’s ability to create chances from open play contrasts with Bologna’s reliance on set pieces and counter-attacks.
Decisive Player Battles
The midfield duel between Fiorentina’s Arthur and Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson could be crucial in dictating the tempo. Zirkzee’s encounter with Fiorentina’s defensive unit, particularly Milenkovic and Ranieri, is another key battle to watch.
Tactical Predictions
Expect Fiorentina to dominate possession, looking to break down Bologna’s compact defense. Bologna might adopt a counter-attacking strategy, exploiting Fiorentina’s potential vulnerabilities on the flanks.
Areas for Improvement
Fiorentina’s Over-Reliance on Specific Players
Fiorentina’s dependency on certain key players for creativity has been a limiting factor. More diverse attacking avenues need to be explored to enhance their goal-scoring capabilities.
Bologna’s Away Form Concerns
Bologna needs to address their less convincing performances away from home. A more assertive approach in away games could be pivotal in turning draws and narrow losses into wins.
Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses
Vincenzo Italiano
Italiano’s tactical flexibility and focus on a possession-based game are commendable. However, his inability to effectively rotate the squad in a congested fixture list has been a concern.
Thiago Motta
Motta has instilled a fighting spirit in Bologna, evident in their comeback win against Inter. However, his tactical rigidity in certain matches, especially away from home, has been a significant shortcoming.
Expected Lineups and Commentary
Fiorentina’s Lineup
Christensen; Kayode, Milenkovic, Ranieri, Parisi; Duncan, Arthur; Ikone, Barak, Brekalo; Beltran. This lineup suggests a focus on maintaining possession and building attacks from the midfield, with Beltran as the focal point upfront.
Bologna’s Lineup
Skorupski; De Silvestri, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Moro, Aebischer; Orsolini, Ferguson, Saelemaekers; Zirkzee. Bologna’s formation indicates a strategy to absorb pressure and exploit Fiorentina’s potential gaps using Zirkzee’s attacking prowess.
Predictions with Rationale
- Win-Draw-Win Market: Draw Given the closely matched nature of both teams and their recent form, a draw seems a plausible outcome. Both teams have shown defensive solidity, which could result in a stalemate.
- Correct Score Prediction: 1-1 The defensive prowess of both sides, coupled with their moderate goal-scoring records, points towards a low-scoring draw, with both teams likely to find the net once.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Joshua Zirkzee Zirkzee’s pivotal role in Bologna’s attack and his knack for crucial goals, especially in the Coppa Italia, positions him as a likely candidate to score in this encounter.
- Team to Score First: Fiorentina Fiorentina’s tendency to start matches aggressively, especially at home, and their need to bounce back from recent setbacks, could see them taking the lead early in the game.
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