The Serie A season reaches its sixth round with an intriguing matchup between Bologna and Atalanta at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Saturday evening. Both teams, fresh off their Champions League debuts, find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the lower half of the table and will be eager to climb the standings with a positive result.
Bologna, under the guidance of new manager Vincenzo Italiano, finally broke their winless streak last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Monza. This result lifted some pressure off Italiano, who was brought in to lead the Rossoblu into European competition. However, their home form remains a concern, with Bologna drawing their last five league matches at the Dall’Ara.
Atalanta, on the other hand, are coming off a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Como, which left them level on points with Bologna at six. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has struggled with inconsistency this season, alternating between impressive performances and disappointing results in both Serie A and the Champions League.
Recent history favors Bologna in this fixture, with the Rossoblu winning their last three Serie A encounters against Atalanta. This streak includes a 2-1 away victory in their most recent meeting. Bologna will be aiming to make it four consecutive wins against Atalanta for the first time in their Serie A history, while Atalanta are desperate to avoid this unwanted record.
For Bologna, Santiago Castro has been in fine form, scoring late goals in each of his last two league appearances. Captain Riccardo Orsolini, who began his Serie A career with Atalanta, will be another threat, having been directly involved in five goals against his former club.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has been their standout performer, finding the net in each of his last four league matches. His potential return to the starting lineup could be crucial for the visitors’ chances.
Team News
Bologna will be without Lewis Ferguson, who is nearing a return from an ACL injury, as well as long-term absentees Oussama El Azzouzi and Nicolo Cambiaghi. Tommaso Pobega may be available after recovering from a knee problem.
Atalanta continue to miss key players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini due to ACL injuries, while Rafael Toloi and Ben Godfrey are also sidelined.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Casale, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Urbanski, Ndoye; Castro
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Match Prediction
Given Bologna’s recent dominance in this fixture and Atalanta’s inconsistent form, particularly away from home, this match could be closely contested. Bologna’s strong recent record against Atalanta suggests they could edge a narrow victory, but Atalanta’s attacking prowess means they cannot be discounted.
Prediction: Bologna 2-1 Atalanta
