Empoli vs Bologna Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Italian Serie A
THE FACTS
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When is Empoli vs Bologna on and what time does it start? Empoli vs Bologna will take place on Friday 19th May, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Empoli vs Bologna? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Empoli vs Bologna on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Serie A matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Empoli vs Bologna
Where can I stream Empoli vs Bologna in the UK? If Empoli vs Bologna is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
EMPOLI
Following the mid-January appointment of miracle worker Davide Nicola, who was tasked with pulling off an escape to those he achieved with both Crotone and Salernitana, Empoli have been one of the in-form teams in Serie A after the underwhelming stints of both Paolo Zanetti and Aurelio Andreazzoli earlier on in the campaign.
The Florence-based club do, though, now come into this one on the back of back-to-back defeats. Their most recent outing saw them go to San Siro and be edged out by a goal to nil by AC Milan with a 40th minute winning strike by Christian Pulisic. That had followed on from a more disappointing 1-0 loss at home to struggling Cagliari.
BOLOGNA
For the first time since 1967, Bologna enjoyed their sixth successive Serie A victory a couple of weeks ago with a 2-1 defeat of Atalanta in Bergamo as Thiago Motta’s attacking and front foot side continued their unlikely and impressive push for a top four finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification this season.
They do now, though, come into this on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat at home to the relentless champions-elect of Internazionale, last weekend. Yann Bisseck scored a 37th minute winning goal for the Nerazzurri in that match but Bologna do begin this round of fixtures sitting in those aforementioned top four spots.
THE TEAM NEWS
EMPOLI
Empoli have a couple of selection issues for this weekend as Jacopo Fazzini will be unavailable due to suspension, whilst Gabriele Guarino is an injury doubt.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Caprile; Ismajli, Walukiewicz, Luperto; Gyasi, Kovalenko, Maleh, Pezzella; Zurkowski, Cambiaghi; Niang
UNAVAILABLE: Fazzini (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Guarino (Injured)
BOLOGNA
There is only key injury concern for Bologna this weekend as long-term absentee Adama Soumaoro remains unavailable with an ACL injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Kristiansen; Freuler; Odgaard, Aebischer, Ferguson, Saelemaekers; Zirkzee
UNAVAILABLE: Soumaoro (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
In the last couple of months, these have been the surprise packages in Italy with both enjoying impressive runs of form. They both, though, now come into this on the back of defeats so will be under a little bit of pressure. Empoli will seek to frustrate a Bologna side that did have goal scoring issues earlier in the campaign so a low-scoring match is to be expected on Friday evening, albeit the visitors are still expected to come out on top in Florence.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – BOLOGNA TO WIN OR DRAW
