Bologna and Monza are set to clash in a highly anticipated Coppa Italia round of 16 match at Stadio Dall’Ara on Tuesday. The winner will secure a coveted spot in the quarter-finals of Italy’s premier cup competition.
Bologna enter this fixture with renewed confidence after their recent 3-0 victory over Venezia in Serie A. The Rossoblu are aiming to reach the Coppa Italia quarter-finals for only the third time since 2000, having last achieved this feat in dramatic fashion last year by eliminating Inter Milan at San Siro.
Coach Vincenzo Italiano’s side has been formidable at home in Serie A, remaining undefeated with two wins and four draws. However, their Champions League campaign has been challenging, with a recent loss to Lille leaving them near the bottom of their group.
Monza, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position. The Biancorossi have struggled in Serie A, currently sitting in the relegation zone with just 10 points. Their last league victory dates back to October, and they’ve won only one of their last 23 league matches.
Despite their league woes, Monza have found some solace in the Coppa Italia, securing victories against Sudtirol and Brescia in the previous rounds. This cup tie offers Alessandro Nesta’s team a welcome distraction from their survival battle in Serie A.
Joshua Zirkzee has been a standout performer for Bologna this season and could play a crucial role if given the opportunity. For Monza, Gianluca Caprari, who scored in their previous Coppa Italia match and in their recent league game, will be looking to continue his good form.
Team News
Bologna may rotate their squad due to their busy schedule. Thijs Dallinga is expected to lead the attack, while captain Lewis Ferguson could return to the starting lineup after being rested at the weekend. The hosts will be without long-term absentees Nicolo Cambiaghi and Oussama El Azzouzi, as well as Michel Aebischer.
Monza welcome back Armando Izzo from suspension but will miss captain Matteo Pessina, Roberto Gagliardini, and goalkeeper Alessio Cragno due to injuries. Daniel Maldini might return to the starting XI, and Mirko Maric could replace Milan Djuric up front.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Ravaglia; Posch, Beukema, Casale, Lykogiannis; Pobega, Ferguson; Iling-Junior, Fabbian, Dominguez; Dallinga
Monza: Pizzignacco; D’Ambrosio, Caldirola, Carboni; Ciurria, Valoti, Bondo, Birindelli; Maldini, Caprari; Maric
Match Prediction
Given Bologna’s strong home record and Monza’s poor away form, the hosts are favored to progress. Bologna’s recent goalscoring form, coupled with Monza’s struggles to find the net away from home, suggests a comfortable victory for the Rossoblu.
Prediction:Bologna 2-0 Monza
