Bologna’s squad depth will be severely tested as they prepare to face Fiorentina in a crucial Serie A encounter. The Rossoblu are grappling with a significant injury crisis, with several key players sidelined.
Leading scorer Riccardo Orsolini headlines the list of absentees, joined by Michel Aebischer and Juan Miranda. Long-term casualties Nicolo Cambiaghi and Oussama El Azzouzi continue their recovery on the sidelines. Adding to coach Vincenzo Italiano’s concerns, Stefan Posch remains a doubt due to a calf problem.
However, there’s a silver lining for Bologna as Charalampos Lykogiannis has resumed full training following a muscle injury that kept him out of the recent European fixture.
In attack, 20-year-old Santiago Castro is expected to lead the line after Thijs Dallinga’s disappointing performance against Benfica. Castro, who has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, will be eager to make an impact.
The midfield will likely be anchored by Remo Freuler, who is set to make his 250th Serie A appearance. Freuler’s experience and passing ability, ranking third in the league for successful passes this season, will be crucial for Bologna’s game plan.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, approaches the match with a nearly full-strength squad. Coach Raffaele Palladino is expected to recall several regular starters after rotating the squad midweek. Dodo, Robin Gosens, and David de Gea are among those likely to return to the starting lineup.
The only absentee for the Viola is Edoardo Bove, who continues his recovery following a cardiac arrest during the recent, subsequently abandoned match against Inter.
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Pobega; Ndoye, Odgaard, Dominguez; Castro
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Cataldi, Adli; Colpani, Beltran, Sottil; Kean
