Fiorentina - Bologna predictions and free betting tips [12/11/2023]

Today within the 12th round of the Italian Serie A, Fiorentina will host Bologna on their home ground. On Thursday evening, Vincenzo Italiano's charges secured a narrow win over Čukarički by 0:1 in the Conference League, while the visitors have known no defeat since the end of August and have already secured their place in the European zone.

Predicted line-up

Fiorentina: Terracciano; Parisi, Milenković, Martínez, Biraghi; Arthur, Duncan; Ikoné, Bonaventura, González; N'Zola.
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Bokeme, Calafiori, Likogiannis; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Ferguson, Saelemaekers; Zirkzee.

Venue

The match will take place in Florence at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

Fiorentina

A contender for a place in the European zone this season, Fiorentina currently occupy only the 8th spot in the Serie A table, trailing the 4th position by four points. The Tuscan side started the campaign well, losing only one of their first 8 league matches. However, the last few weeks have proven challenging, as evidenced by their current streak of three consecutive defeats in the national championship. Thus, the Violets succumbed to Empoli (0:2), Lazio (1:0) and Juventus last weekend (0:1). In contrast, in the Conference League, the team top their group after a narrow victory over Čukarički (0:1) this week thanks to a goal by M'Bala N'Zola. 

The hosts managed to garner only 7 points in their first five home rounds, causing concern for the coaching staff. In Fiorentina’s camp, key midfielder Castrovilli, centre-half Dodo and promising 19-year-old defender Kayode are still missing. Recently, they were joined in the infirmary by Argentinian forward Beltrán. In his absence, Franco-Angolan forward N'Zola should start with support from Bonaventura (4 goals and 2 assists) and Nico González (5 goals and 1 assist). Given that the Florentines failed to score in their last two rounds, the attacking line will need to step up their game on Sunday.

Bologna

Since appointing Thiago Motta as manager last season, Bologna have been gaining momentum and their attractive style of play this campaign is proving a treat to watch. Indeed, they currently sit in 6th place in the Serie A overall standings, one point ahead of their forthcoming rivals. Falling to Milan in the first round (0:2), Bologna has delivered solid performances since, with four victories and six draws. Last weekend, the Rossoblu, backed by their fanbase, beat Lazio 1:0 at home. After Bologna withstood the initial onslaught from the Romans, Lewis Ferguson scored the only goal from Joshua Zirkzee's assist just after half time. Having drawn all five of their away fixtures in the championship, Motta's chargers will be aiming to finally take all three points on the road. 

This weekend, Bologna's coaching staff will have to do without defenders De Silvestri, Sumaoro and midfielder El Azzouzi due to injuries. However, there are no other squad losses. The attacking quartet has been proving themselves over the last few weeks; in the starting lineup are playmaker Ferguson (3 goals and 2 assists), wingers Orsolini (4 goals) and Saelemaekers, as well as forward Zirkzee (3 goals and 2 assists). Freuler and Aebischer will be the backbone of the visitors’ midfield. Bologna's fans haven't been treated to a high goal tally: only 12 goals have been scored in 11 rounds, but only 8 conceded (fewer than Inter and Juventus).

Head-to-head

The previous season saw Bologna triumph twice with the same score line of 2:1. However, a year earlier, it was the Violets who celebrated victories twice: 1:0 and 2:3.

Match prediction for Fiorentina - Bologna

Fiorentina is juggling two fronts, and a demanding fixture schedule has led to the team's recent dip. In addition, injuries have depleted the squad, leaving Vincenzo Italiano with limited options for team rotation. On the other hand, the visitors have been showcasing quality football and have remained unbeaten since the end of August, having drawn all five away Serie A matches. I believe the trend will continue on Sunday.