Napoli vs Bologna predictions in our match preview for this Serie A contest. Bologna, nearing a Champions League spot, face Napoli, who have won just once in their last eight league games and risk missing European qualification. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Serie A | Gameweek 36 – May 11, 2024 at 5pm UK at The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
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Napoli vs Bologna Predictions
Clash of Aspirations: Bologna’s Champions League Quest Meets Napoli’s Struggle
Key Stats
– Bologna’s Defensive Record: Eight clean sheets since February, one of the highest in Europe’s top leagues.
– Napoli’s Defensive Struggles: 14 games without a clean sheet, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
– Head-to-Head: Despite Napoli’s historical dominance at home against Bologna, current form suggests a shift in this dynamic.
As the Serie A season nears its conclusion, Bologna faces Napoli in a pivotal encounter that could seal their Champions League qualification. Positioned fourth, Bologna’s unexpected rise this season contrasts starkly with Napoli’s underwhelming performance, where they hovered eighth after a series of disappointing results.
Team Dynamics and Form
Bologna, led by Thiago Motta, have excelled defensively, recording eight clean sheets since February—a testament to their organised and resilient backline. Despite a goalless draw against Torino in their last match, their consistent form has kept them in the top tier of the league standings. Bologna’s tactical approach, emphasising defensive solidity and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities, has been crucial in their success.
Napoli, on the other hand, have experienced a stark decline from last season’s championship glory. Plagued by defensive vulnerabilities, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 consecutive matches—a situation exacerbated by frequent managerial changes. The interim coach, Francesco Calzona, faces the challenging task of rallying his team to finish strong with hopes of European qualification still alive.
Tactical Setup and Key Players
Napoli’s Possible Starting Lineup:
- Meret; Di Lorenzo, Jesus, Rrahmani, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Cajuste; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
Bologna’s Possible Starting Lineup:
- Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Freuler; Orsolini, Aebischer, Fabbian, Saelemaekers; Zirkzee
Napoli’s strategy will likely focus on leveraging their home advantage and the attacking prowess of Victor Osimhen, supported by the creative Kvaratskhelia, assuming his fitness. The return of these key players could boost their attacking options significantly.
For Bologna, the midfield duo of Aebischer and Fabbian will be crucial in controlling the tempo and distributing the ball effectively to forward Joshua Zirkzee and the dynamic Alexis Saelemaekers on the wings. Their ability to break through Napoli’s shaky defence could be decisive.
Predictions and Insights
Best Bet: Bologna to Win
Given Napoli’s struggling form and Bologna’s consistency, especially away from home, backing Bologna to win is a strong bet. Their robust defence coupled with Napoli’s porous backline presents an opportunity for Bologna to secure a critical victory in their quest for a Champions League spot.
Correct Score Prediction: Napoli 1-2 Bologna
Expecting a close contest with Bologna edging it 2-1 reflects both teams’ recent forms and the high stakes involved. Bologna’s tactical discipline and ability to capitalise on Napoli’s defensive lapses should see them outscoring the hosts, despite Napoli’s potential threat upfront.
Goalscorer Prediction: Joshua Zirkzee to Score
Zirkzee has been a key figure for Bologna this season, leading their attack with crucial goals. His positioning and finishing abilities make him a likely candidate to score against a Napoli defence that has been less than stellar throughout the season.
First Half Result Prediction: Bologna Leading at Half-Time
Bologna’s strategy to start strong and capitalise early on Napoli’s recent trend of slow starts could see them leading at half-time. Their organised play and defensive solidity will help them maintain this lead as the game progresses.
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