Prediction: Bologna vs Fiorentina

Verdict: Bologna draw no bet

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides battling it out in the European chase, Bologna will welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Wednesday evening.

Bologna

Starting with the hosts, while Bologna might have eventually fallen short last season in the bid to punch a famous European ticket, the Greyhounds are enjoying a real domestic romp this time around. With Thiago Motta’s men only continuing to receive a string of plaudits this year, the former Spezia boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they cruised their way to a 4-0 victory against Lecce, Bologna have now won back-to-back Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2. Opening February with an action-packed 4-2 win against Sassuolo, Wednesday’s hosts have gained a fearsome reputation for their success at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Including respective victories against the likes of Atalanta, Roma and Lazio, Motta’s record-breaking squad have not suffered a single defeat from any of their last 13 straight showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

While Swiss international midfielder Michel Aebischer might have served a domestic suspension over the weekend, the 27-year-old will return to Motta’s squad here. However, still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance this season, former Lille defender Adama Soumaoro will not feature on Wednesday evening.

While attacking talisman Joshua Zirkzee might have managed to notch just a single strike since December 10th, the former Bayern Munich starlet will spearhead Bologna’s charge at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Fiorentina

As for the visitors, managing to make what was a crucial return to winning ways over the weekend, Fiorentina will be desperate to use their thumping performance as a platform to build on. Eventually stormed their way to a 5-1 victory against Frosinone, the Viola will be desperate to make a real statement of intent here. However, despite drawing a line under their four-match winless run on Sunday afternoon, Vincenzo Italiano’s side have gained a real reputation for their continued issues outside of Tuscany. Last seen on their travels slumping to an action-packed 3-2 defeat at the hands of Lecce, Wednesday’s guests have lost all of their previous three showdowns away from the Stadio Artemio Franchi by an aggregate score of 7-2. Likewise, it should also be noted, Fiorentina have recorded just a single domestic victory on their travels since a shock 3-1 win against defending champions Napoli way back on October 8th.

Team News

Crowned AFCON champions with the Ivory Coast on Sunday, 26-year-old Christian Kouame is not expected to feature here. Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, the duo of Gaetano Castrovilli and Dodo will not travel to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Wednesday night.

However, serving a one-match suspension against Frosinone over the weekend, 24-year-old Luca Ranieri could be handed a full recall. Arriving from Roma during January’s transfer window and opening his account on Sunday, Italy international Andrea Belotti should spearhead the Viola’s charge here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bologna and Fiorentina met in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on January 9th, the Viola picked up a dramatic penalties victory at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
• However, Wednesday’s guests have lost all of their last three away fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-2.
• Likewise, Fiorentina have recorded just a single domestic victory outside of Tuscany since October 8th.
• Bologna have won back-to-back Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2.
• Wednesday’s hosts are unbeaten in all of their previous 13 straight appearances at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Conclusion

While Fiorentina might have caused Bologna real Coppa Italia heartbreak last month, Wednesday’s hosts should be smelling the chance to claim some immediate revenge here. Winning back-to-back Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2 and continuing to shine in front of their own supporters, the Viola should face a tricky test here. Losing all of their last three showdowns outside of Tuscany, we are predicting a home draw no bet here.

Verdict: Bologna draw no bet 

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster