Empoli vs Bologna prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-05-03 18:45.
Paolo Zanetti had some choice words to say about his Empoli side after blowing a 1-0 lead to lose in the final ten minutes against Sassuolo in the previous round. That result extended their winless run to four Serie A (SA) games (D1, L3) and left them in a state of relative peril as they enter this round just five points above the drop zone with 18 left to play for.
Returning to the Stadio Carlo Castellani isn’t guaranteed to provide the catalyst for success either as their only home league win across the last six games here came against one of the five sides below them (W1, D2, L3). The visit of Bologna presents a much tougher challenge, not least because Empoli haven’t won any home league game against sides beginning the round in the top-nine (D1, L5).
The visitors were arguably unlucky not to defeat Juventus on Sunday after enjoying more goal attempts (16) and the majority of possession (55%). That eventual 1-1 draw ultimately extended Bologna’s winless run to three games (D2, L1) and left Thiago Motta’s faint hopes of a top-six finish hanging by a thread with an almost insurmountable 12-point gap to make up.
The visitors will at least hope to continue the trend that has seen each of their last five away games post differing results in sequence (W2, D1, L2) after losing their latest trip to Verona. The fact Bologna will enter this clash as pre-match favourites should provide some solace at least, as they’ve lost just twice in such league games at any venue this season (W5, D6, L2).
Players to watch: Empoli had played over five hours of football without a goal before Nicolò Cambiaghi ended their drought in the last round, yet he didn’t win any of his last three scoring appearances (D2, L1). As for Bologna, Musa Barrow made four goal contributions across their last two victories (G1, A3) and could prove the catalyst to end their current winless run.
Hot stat: Both teams have scored in 19 of Bologna’s SA games this season (59%), that’s a second league-high!