As the Serie A season edges closer to its dramatic finale, the matchup between Bologna and Monza on the 13th of April, 2024, is catching the eyes of football enthusiasts worldwide.
Both teams have their unique motivations heading into this clash, with Bologna eyeing a spot in European competitions and Monza looking to secure a commendable top-10 finish. Let's dive into the details of this exciting fixture.
Current Form
Bologna's Current Form
Bologna, under the guidance of Thiago Motta, has been in impressive form, winning eight of their last nine league games.
Despite a recent hiccup in a goalless draw against Frosinone, the Rossoblu's home record stands formidable with 12 wins in 16 league matches at the Stadio Dall'Ara.
Their solid defence has been a cornerstone, boasting a league-high 10 clean sheets at home.
Monza's Current Form
Monza, on the other hand, managed by Raffaele Palladino, have had a mixed bag of results recently, losing three out of their last five matches.
The team showed resilience but ultimately fell 4-2 to Napoli in their last outing.
Despite these setbacks, Monza remains in contention for a top-half finish, a testament to their spirited performances throughout the season.
Team News
Bologna Team News
Bologna will be without Alexis Saelemaekers due to suspension, opening the door for Dan Ndoye or Kacper Urbanski.
Injuries have sidelined Adama Soumaoro and Jens Odgaard, while Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Orsolini, with double-digit Serie A goals, continue to be the focal points of their attack.
Monza Team News
Monza will see the return of captain Matteo Pessina from suspension, though they'll miss Luca Caldirola due to his own suspension.
Injuries have kept Gianluca Caprari and others off the pitch, but Andrea Colpani and Milan Djuric are expected to lead the attack.
Key Players
Bologna's Key Players
For Bologna, the spotlight will be on Riccardo Orsolini and Joshua Zirkzee, whose goalscoring prowess will be crucial.
Monza's Key Players
Monza will rely on the leadership of Matteo Pessina in midfield and the attacking threat posed by Andrea Colpani and Milan Djuric.
Scoreline Prediction
Given both teams' form and the stakes involved, a tight contest is on the cards.
However, Bologna's stellar home record and defensive solidity might just tip the scales in their favour.
We think that a 1-0 victory for Bologna seems a plausible outcome.
FAQs
What time does the match start? The match kicks off at 7:45 PM UK time on the 13th of April, 2024.
Where is the match being played? Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna.
Who are the key players to watch? For Bologna, keep an eye on Riccardo Orsolini and Joshua Zirkzee. For Monza, Matteo Pessina and Andrea Colpani are the ones to watch.
What's at stake for both teams? Bologna is fighting for a place in European competitions, while Monza aims for their first top-10 finish in Serie A.
