Bologna vs Sassuolo prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2024-02-02 19:45.
The performance of Bologna goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski was one of the reasons why the previous matchweek chalked up the most missed penalties (five) in a single Serie A round since 1960/61, as his side saved a point after Milan twice failed from the spot. Bologna’s equaliser was coincidentally also scored from the penalty spot in that game, but it did extend their winless run in Serie A to four games (D2, L2) – form which has seen the Rossoblù fall out of the top six.
A return to Stadio Renato Dall'Ara after two straight away league games could bring about a change in fortune, as Bologna’s only home Serie A loss this season came in the opening round against Milan, with their last nine producing seven wins and two draws. If they are to snap their current winless streak then they’ll have to do it without the services of coach Thiago Motta on the bench, after he was sent off for dissent in their previous match.
Sassuolo have suffered six defeats across their last eight league matches (W1, D1) and consequently their cushion to the relegation places shrunk to just one point heading into this round. To add further to their troubles, talisman Domenico Berardi suffered a knee injury in training and is suspected to be laid off for at least two months.
Berardi’s importance to Sassuolo is crucial as the side have lost all five Serie A matches without him this season, meaning head coach Alessio Dionisi will have to quickly find a solution to the threat he offers. Subsequently, it would be surprising if the turnaround started here, especially as the visitors are on a run of three away league losses, each without scoring.
Players to watch: Looking for a quick opener will be Joshua Zirkzee, who has scored four of his last six goals for Bologna in the opening 30 minutes, including in the reverse fixture. After netting six of his seven league goals during that same period, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti could be vying for the first goalscorer accolade.
Hot stat: Ahead of the round, Sassuolo have conceded a joint-league high ten away league goals before half-time.