Sassuolo - Bologna predictions and free betting tips [28/10/2023]

On Saturday 28th October, within the 10th round of the Italian Serie A, Sassuolo will host Bologna on their home ground. In the run-up to the Emilian derby, the teams are separated by four points, with the Rosso Blu outstripping their opponent by 5 places and remaining undefeated in their last nine encounters across all competitions.

Predicted Line-ups

Sassuolo: Consigli; Toljan, Erlic, Ferrari, Vina; Boloca, Racic; Berardi, Bajrami, Lauriente; Pinamonti.
Bologna: Skorupski; De Silvestri, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Ferguson, Saelemaekers; Zirkzee.

The Stadium

The match is set to take place in Reggio Emilia at Mapei Stadium – Citta del Tricolore.

Sassuolo

Sassuolo, accustomed to languishing in mid-table for several years, currently ranks 13th in the overall Serie A standings. From the get-go, the Neroverdi have shown great inconsistency: after losing 3 out of 4 opening fixtures, the Aspidistra surprised the public with sensational victories over Juventus (4:2) and Inter (1:2). However, the team then returned to their former results: drew a tie with Lecce (1:1), but lost at home to Monza (0:1) and Lazio (0:2). No Italian side has lost more Serie A games this calendar year than Alessio Dionisi's charges. Moreover, Sassuolo has conceded at least once in each of their last 17 league matches, averaging two goals per game – a worrying statistic for supporters. 

Bologna

Bologna has been in excellent form since Thiago Motta was appointed as head coach last season, and the team is now hoping to compete even for European places. The Rosso Blu currently holds the 8th place in the Serie A standings, lagging just 3 points behind fourth-placed Napoli. Despite a defeat to AC Milan in the opening round (0:2), the visitors haven't suffered another loss since then (3 wins and 5 draws).

The last three matches suggest they are gathering momentum: Bologna snatched a draw against Inter in Milan (2:2) and beat Empoli at home (3:0) and Frosinone (2:1) last weekend. Scottish star Lewis Ferguson and veteran defender Lorenzo De Silvestri scored ahead of the half-hour mark, effectively deciding the match. It's interesting to note that the visitors have drawn their last four away matches. Next week, Bologna will host Verona in the Coppa Italia, but currently, all focus is on the league. 

Head to Head

Last season, the teams drew 1:1 in Reggio Emilia, while Bologna triumphed on home soil with a score of 3:0.

Match Prediction for Sassuolo vs Bologna

Sassuolo has been known for its volatility this season, and it will be surprising if the home side can end Bologna's undefeated streak. The visitors boast the third-best Serie A defence (conceding only 7 goals) and haven't suffered defeat since August, whereas Sassuolo, on the contrary, has fallen short twice in their last three matches. My bet – Motta's lads to secure victory with a handicap of 0.

Total Goals Prediction

Sassuolo has netted 12 goals in their first 9 rounds, while Bologna has conceded merely 7 during the same period. All indicators point towards an individual total under 1 for the home team.

Corner Prediction

Bologna has been averaging 5 corners per game this season, and there are no reasons to assume that trend will cease to continue against the indifferently defending Sassuolo.

Yellow Card Prediction

Just 4 yellow cards have been shown in their three previous head-to-head matches – confidently backing a total under 4.5 cautions.

Final Score Predictions

I'm going to place my bet on a 0:2 victory in favour of Bologna.