Bologna vs Lazio
Lazio have a very realistic shot at second place in Serie A this season. Maurizio Sarri’s men have won three games in a row – including a shock win over runaway leaders Napoli – as they’ve kept the pressure on Inter Milan.
But the Biancocelesti’s winning run will be under threat as they visit eighth-placed Bologna this weekend.
The Rossoblu have been in decent form of late and they will be keen to bounce back at home after their own win streak was snapped last time out by Torino.
Talking Points
Bologna looking to bounce back
Bologna’s brief two-game winning run came to an end as they fell to fellow mid-table side Torino last time out. Thiago Motta’s men controlled nearly 57 per cent of possession, but they could only manage one shot on target in 11 total shots.
Prior to that loss, Bologna had brought down an in-form Inter Milan side, 1-0 at home thanks to a Riccardo Orsolini winner. Motta recently won Serie A Coach of the Month as his side won three of their four matches in February.
Bologna’s leading scorer, Marko Arnautovic (8 goals), was back on the bench after his recent injury layoff, but he did not come on. Although, there is a decent chance he makes his return to the starting lineup against Lazio in place of Musa Barrow, who did not score in his three starts as a centre-forward.
Instead, it has been Riccardo Orsolini who has been providing the Serie A 2023 highlights for the Bologna attack in recent months. The 26-year-old has scored five of his seven goals in 2023 and has provided four goals and two assists in his last six games.
Bologna’s home form has been a big reason why they are riding high in the top half of the table this season. They have won six of their 13 games at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, with just 10 goals conceded. By contrast, they have already conceded 24 goals in 12 games away from home.
Lazio defence powering win streak
Lazio’s five-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to a surprise end in midweek as they lost 2-1 to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie.
That loss came on the heels of Lazio’s huge 1-0 win away to leaders Napoli, their third straight win in Serie A.
The Lazio defence, which is second only to Napoli with just 19 goals conceded this season, continues to perform splendidly. They have kept three straight clean sheets during their recent three-game win streak.
The Lazio backline is back to full strength after Alessio Romagnoli returned for the Napoli match after a few weeks out.
That stellar defence is making up for the fact that Lazio’s forwards are not in the best of form. Captain Ciro Immobile has not quite been at his best this season amid injuries, while Mattia Zaccagni and Felipe Anderson have combined for just one goal in their last 18 appearances in all competitions.
Luckily, midfielders Luis Alberto and Matias Vecino have popped up with some crucial goals in recent weeks to win the Biancocelesti some valuable points.
Lazio have a terrific away record this season. They have won seven of 12 away matches, with three draws and two defeats. Moreover, their seven goals conceded is also tied with Napoli for the best away defensive record in the league.
History
The head-to-head record between the two clubs has been lopsided toward Lazio. The Biancocelesti have a 14-4 advantage in wins, with eight draws over their last 30 Serie A meetings.
Lazio have won each of the last three meetings against Bologna, including the first two this season. They won their first league encounter 2-1 at home, and they won again 1-0 in the Coppa Italia.
The home side has had a decided advantage in this matchup in recent years. The home team has won each of the last six Serie A matches, with the away team scoring just two total goals in those games.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP’s Serie A 2023 betting odds have Lazio installed as slight 2.42 favourites away from home against Bologna, who are priced at 2.75 to beat the Biancocelesti at home. A draw is 3.10.
With Bologna’s strong defensive record at home, this won’t be an easy match for Lazio by any stretch. The Biancocelesti will have to work hard to pick up all three points away from home. But Lazio know how to battle for results, and with capable goalscorers in Immobile, they should be able to come out on top in the end.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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