Serie A Preview: Bologna FC – Juventus FC
Rossoblu the relegation favourites
With Serie A getting increasingly competitive over the years, Bologna was always expected to struggle against relegation and they have been doing just that. Rossoblu stand 18th in the league and should Udinese and Parma register victories, Bologna
will hit rock bottom of the league.
Their form of late has been far from impressive as Palermo thrashed the Felsinei 4 – 1 only last weekend. The defeat brought their four match unbeaten run to an end. Certainly it would have come as a reality check for the Serie A minnows that they need to
improve manifolds before a Serie A status can be sealed.
Bologna will now welcome a red hot Juventus to Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. While Juventus has been putting in strong performances on home, Bologna will take solace in the fact that Bianconeri form on their travels has been mediocre at best.
Rejuvenation Carries On
Having reinforced its squad reasonably well over the summer, Juventus’ renaissance is truly underway. Although there is still work to be done, particularly in the full back areas, Bianconeri are on the right track.
Juventus’ 4 – 0 thrashing of Lecce was their latest in a line of impressive outings. Such a result has propelled Bianconeri to fifth spot in the Serie A rankings. Luigi Del Neri’s men are now just five points off the summit and three points behind the Milanese
giants.
On Thursday, Juventus were held to a draw by a modest Salzburg outfit in Europa League. On surface this might look like a poor result but an away draw in always good in Europe. Also Del Neri rested key first team players like Milos Krasic, Leonardo Bonucci
and Alberto Aquilani and the trio will feature tonight from the off.
Team News
Bologna FC
Andrea Esposito is injured for Bologna while Diego Perez is suspended. Nonetheless, Alberto Malesani will have a strong squad to choose his starting eleven from.
Expected Formation
Bologna will take to the field in a 4-1-4-1 formation. Marco Di Vaio will be playing as the lone striker for Rossoblu as he has done very often this season. The likes of Busce, Mudingayi, Ekdal and Paponi will look to dominate the Bianconeri midfield.
Probable Line up
Emiliano Viviano, Gyorgy Garics, Daniele Portanova, Miguel Britos, Nicolo Cherubin, Antonio Busce, Gaby Mudingayi, Federico Casarini, Albin Ekdal, Daniele Paponi, Marco Di Vaio.
Juventus FC
Juventus will be without the services of Gianluigi Buffon, Armand Traore, Rinaudo and Davide Lanzafame as all four players are long term injury causalities. Latest reports now indicate Zdenek Grygera has joined them on the treatment table.
Expected Formation
Del Neri has no reason to change the 4-4-2 formation that has been working so well for him. Amauri and Quagliaralla are expected to lean the line while Milos Krasic and Marchisio will line up on the flanks. Alberto Aquilani will look to continue his renaissance
in the midfield and will partner Felipe Melo. Marco Storari will keep the gloves ahead of Alexander Manninger.
Probable Line up
Marco Storari, Paolo De Ceglie, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Marco Motta, Milos Krasic, Felipe Melo, Alberto Aquilani, Caludio Marchisio, Amauri, Fabio Quagliarella
Key Players
Milos Krasic
The blond Serb has been in devastating form ever since he made his transfer to Juventus earlier this summer. Krasic has been the best player in Serie A so far and his wing play will be critical for Juventus in this match.
Marco Di Vaio
The journey man forward scored against Palermo last week and indeed he is one of the very few players in Rossoblu ranks who can stand up to Bianconeri might. Di Vaio will have to score tonight if Bologna is to take the three points.
Prediction
Juventus’ away form has been less than impressive with just one victory so far but things are set to change. With new signings finding their feet with consummate ease, Juventus will be too hot to handle for Bologna. Bianconeri to record a 1 – 2 victory!
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