Predicition: Torino vs Bologna

Verdict: Both teams to score

 Best odds: 2.08

Bookmaker: ZetBet

With the Serie A nearing its end, Bologna will travel to the North of Italy to face Torino aiming for a win to boost their Champions League dream. Despite Torino having no relegation worries and real chances to finish 7th, the hosts aim to make a good impression in front of their fans. Although the direct previous meeting between the two sides failed to impress, the scenario points to goals being scored at both ends this time.

Torino

Torino is having another good season having reached safety with rounds to spare. However, although Ivan Juric’s team has progressed in recent seasons, Torino is missing a few top players to attain higher levels in the Seria A.

Despite proving repeatedly to be a tough nut to crack, the hosts won just a third of their 34 games. These results positioned Torino mid-table with no real prospects of reaching the 7th place, currently in Lazio’s possession with a 9-point lead.

With a pair of wins in the last 10 rounds, Torino dropped in the standings despite the surprisingly good start. However, the story is different at the Olympic Stadium from Turin where the local team had impressive results. Defeating top sides like Atalanta and Napoli, proved that Ivan Juric’s team can compete with the best of Serie A, despite having a significantly lower budget.

Still, a disappointing spell of four games without a win ended Torino’s hopes of fighting for the 7th place and qualifying for the Conference League. Failing to score in the last three games revealed Torino’s upfront issues where the former Atalanta ace Duvan Zapata didn’t meet the expectations.

Coming from a 2-0 defeat at Giuseppe Meazza in front of current champions Inter, Torino needs to improve their game to avoid a further drop to the bottom half of the table. With upcoming games against Verona, Milan and Atalanta, The Bulls will aim for a positive outcome against Bologna to approach the end of this term on a high.

Team News

Ivan Juric will not be able to count on four players. Although Peers Schuurs is nearing a full return, the Dutch centre-back is not expected to start against Bologna. Koffi Djidji and Szaba Sazonov are working hard on their recoveries but the medical staff is sceptical about the centre-back duo returning to action this season.

Bologna

Bologna is well set to play at the biggest stages of European football next season following an impressive year with results above expectations that positioned the visitors 4th in the Serie A with 63 points. The away side impressed this term with tactical discipline and solid defending against the top sides from Italian football, suffering only five defeats in 34 games.

These results had Serie A giants on alert to appoint Thiago Motta as a manager, with Juventus and Milan looking to replace their coach in the summer. Bologna proved they could finish the job on the road where they lost just three games. Surprisingly, relegation scrappers Cagliari and Udinese, next to Fiorentina defeated Bologna on their turf.

Winning away against Roma, Atalanta and Lazio are incredible results, considering Bologna’s opponents’ higher market value and their names in Italian football. This made Tiago Motta’s team the favourite to clinch 4th position by the end of the season.

Still, the battle is not over since Bologna plays Napoli, Juventus and Genoa by the end of this term. However, because Italy’s top flight has been handed a 5th Champions League position, Bologna’s dream of playing on the biggest stage of club football becomes more visible with a win at Torino.

Team News

Adama Saumaoro is yet to play for Bologna this season after suffering an excruciating patellar tendon rupture in May last year. Attacking midfielder Lewis Ferguson has suffered a cruciate ligament rupture that will see him out for at least 6 months. However, Jens Odgaards is expected to return for the Torino game after straining his hamstring at the beginning of April.

Key factors to consider

• Torino is undefeated against Bologna in the last four games played at the Olympic Stadium
• The hosts are difficult to defeat at home losing only three competitive games across all competitions
• Bologna took Serie A by storm with impressive results that positioned the visitors for an almost certain top-finish
• The Red&Blues defeated heavyweights of Italian football like AS Roma, Atalanta and Lazio

Conclusion

Bologna is looking to strengthen its Seria A position with four rounds left to play and achieve a historic qualification to the Champions League. However, Torino’s home displays predict a difficult game for the visitors and an open game with goals scored at both ends.

Verdict: Both teams to score

 Best odds: 2.08

Bookmaker: ZetBet