Serie A preview and odds: Bologna vs Napoli

Published on: 05/12/2015

Serie A preview and odds: Bologna vs Napoli

December 06, 2015 11:30pm - Stadio Renato DallAra

Serie A

Bologna could haul themselves out of the relegation zone on Sunday if they can overcome league leaders Napoli at the Stadio Renato DallAra.

Tough challenge for the Rossoblu

After a run on three games without defeat that included an impressive 3-0 win over Atalanta, Roberto Donadonis side fell 2-0 away to Torino last week and sunk back into the relegation places. With just three points separating Bologna and the five teams above them in the league, a win on Sunday could once again lift them to a position of safety.

The loss in Turin was the first since Roberto Donadoni was appointed as Head Coach in place of Delio Rossi, who was sacked at the end of October. Sunday mornings game will give the new Coach the opportunity to test his side against a top-four side for the second time since his arrival after they held Roma to a 2-2 draw in the last home game.

Napoli unbeaten in 13 league games

Napoli are just a point clear at the top of the table despite not having lost a Serie A game since the opening day defeat away to Sassuolo. The top five teams are separated by just four points and Maurizio Sarris side could drop out of the top three with a defeat in Bologna.

The Partenopei went clear at the top of the Italian top flight for the first time in 25 years when they beat title rivals Inter 2-1 at home on Monday night.

Team news

For Bologna, Mattia Destro could return to the starting XI after serving a one-match suspension, while Emil Krafth and Maietta are both out injured. Striker Matteo Mancosu also remains a slight doubt.

Meanwhile, Napoli will continue to operate without striker Manolo Gabbiadini, while Dries Mertens could be available after recovering from injury.

Recent form (League)

Bologna: LDWWL

Napoli: WWWDW

Betting odds and tips

Roberto Donadoni has lost just won of his four games in charge since taking over at the Emilia-Romagna-based club. In their last home game, they held Roma to a 2-2 and could cause similar problems for the league leaders. Napoli have not conceded a goal away from home since September - a run that covers five matches. They have been held to 0-0 draws in two of those five games.

Bolognas lowly position in the table means that there are some good odds available. The draw can be backed at 10/3 with Bet365 and the 0-0 draw can be backed at 10/1 - also with Bet365.

Published on: 05/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (05/12/2015 12:02:23) but are subject to change.