As the Serie A season reaches its midpoint, Bologna and Monza find themselves at opposite ends of the table, each with their own aspirations and challenges. This Saturday’s match at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara promises to be an intriguing encounter between a team pushing for European qualification and another fighting for survival.
Bologna, currently sitting in eighth place, have been one of the surprise packages of the season. Under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, the Rossoblu have shown remarkable consistency and are now knocking on the door of European qualification. Their recent form, however, has been a mixed bag.
The team’s resilience was on full display in their midweek 2-2 draw against Inter Milan at San Siro. Santiago Castro, a rising star and rumored transfer target for several top clubs, opened the scoring before Emil Holm’s deflected effort secured a valuable point. This result followed another 2-2 draw against Roma, where Bologna conceded a stoppage-time equalizer.
Despite these creditable results against top opposition, Bologna are winless since their victory over Torino in December. Italiano will be keen to end this run and set a new club record for points after 20 Serie A matches – a win would take them to 33 points.
At the other end of the table, Monza find themselves in a precarious position, rooted to the bottom of Serie A. However, there’s a newfound sense of optimism following their recent 2-1 victory over high-flying Fiorentina. This win, their first at home all season, was a much-needed boost for the Brianzoli.
Goals from Patrick Ciurria and Daniel Maldini not only secured three vital points but also marked new coach Salvatore Bocchetti’s first-ever Serie A success. It was a particularly sweet victory against a team coached by their former manager, Raffaele Palladino.
Now, Monza will be looking to build on this momentum and secure their first away win since October. With six points separating them from safety, every match is crucial in their bid for a great escape from relegation.
The midfield battle between Bologna’s Remo Freuler and Monza’s Andrea Colpani could decide the outcome of this match. Freuler’s experience and ability to control the tempo will be crucial for Bologna, while Colpani’s creativity and eye for goal make him Monza’s danger man.
Team News
Bologna may rotate their squad, balancing the demands of Serie A with their upcoming Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund. Jhon Lucumi is expected to return to the defense after serving a suspension, while Lewis Ferguson and Juan Miranda could also be recalled.
Italiano will likely stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Castro leading the line. The creative trio of Riccardo Orsolini, Ferguson, and Alexis Saelemaekers will be crucial in breaking down Monza’s defense.
Monza welcome back Danilo D’Ambrosio from suspension, but Pedro Pereira is now banned. They’re still without key players Matteo Pessina and Roberto Gagliardini, while Pablo Mari faces a late fitness test. New signing Stefan Lekovic could make his debut following his loan move from Red Star Belgrade.
Bocchetti may opt for a more defensive 4-4-2 setup, looking to frustrate Bologna and hit them on the counter. The partnership of Dany Mota and Daniel Maldini up front could prove pivotal in their attacking efforts.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Skorupski; Holm, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Pobega; Orsolini, Ferguson, Dominguez; Castro
Monza: Turati; Izzo, Caldirola, Carboni; Ciurria, Bianco, Sensi, Bondo, Kyriakopoulos; Caprari, Maldini
Match Prediction
While Monza will be buoyed by their recent victory, Bologna’s home form and quality should see them through. Expect a tight, tactical battle with Bologna’s superior firepower making the difference. A 1-0 win for the hosts seems likely, potentially kickstarting their push for European qualification and dealing a blow to Monza’s survival hopes.
Prediction: Bologna 1-0 Monza
