Napoli and Bologna lock horns at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Italy’s Serie A on Sunday, 25 August. Read out our Serie A betting tips for Sunday’s showdown below.
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Napoli vs Bologna prediction: Visitors to avoid defeat?
Key Stats
- Bologna have avoided defeat in each of their last three meetings with Napoli.
- Under 2.5 goals landed in each of the teams’ two Serie A encounters last term.
- Bologna averaged 1.10 goals per away game in Serie A last season.
- 12 cards were brandished across Napoli’s two skirmishes with Bologna in 2023/24.
Correct score prediction: Napoli 0-1 Bologna
Napoli lost 3-0 at Verona in a disastrous opening Serie A test last weekend and they looked short on ideas in the final third in their loss. Bologna meanwhile, kept two clean sheets in as many meetings with Napoli last term and their defensive strength could allow them to pip the Partenopei to the points on Sunday.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bologna an attractive price
- HOME: 9/10 (1.90) – 52.6%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 31/10 (4.10) – 24.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Antonio Conte’s tenure at Napoli got off to the worst possible start last weekend when he oversaw a 3-0 loss at Verona and they look overpriced at 9/10 at home to a robust Bologna side on Sunday.
Bologna took four points off Napoli last season and though they’ve changed managers since, the 31/10 underdogs should have weaknesses to prey on again this weekend. For more of our expert analysis and latest Italian predictions, head over to our free football tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Bologna have had the edge
Bologna won 2-0 at Napoli when they last visited Naples in May and they picked up at least a point in each of their last three meetings with the Partenopei overall.
Italy Serie A 11/05/24
Napoli
Bologna
Italy Serie A 24/09/23
Bologna
Napoli
Italy Serie A 28/05/23
Bologna
Napoli
Italy Serie A 16/10/22
Napoli
Bologna
Italy Serie A 17/01/22
Bologna
Napoli
Napoli preview: Conte could make changes
Napoli were without the service of the injured Alessandro Buongiorno and the suspended Alessio Zerbin last weekend, though both players could be back for Sunday. Antonio Conte was frustrated about his team's level of performance at Verona, so he could make changes to his XI.
Predicted lineup: Meret (GK), Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jeses, Mazzocchi, Anguissa, Lobotka, Spinazzola, Politano, Kvaratskhelia, Simeone
Italy Serie A 31/08/24
W
Parma
1
Napoli
2
Italy Serie A 25/08/24
W
Bologna
0
Napoli
3
Italy Serie A 18/08/24
L
Verona
3
Napoli
0
Coppa Italia 10/08/24
W
Modena
0 (3)
Napoli
0 (4)
Elite Club Friendlies 03/08/24
L
Girona
2
Napoli
0
Bologna preview: Trio hoping to return
Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi and Lewis Ferguson are in the treatment room for Bologna while Emil Holm, Jhon Lucumi and Kacper Urbanski are all doubtful ahead of Sunday's game. Bologna were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Udinese last week.
Predicted lineup: Skorupski (GK), Posch, Erlic, Beukema, Lykogiannia, Freuler, Moro, Orsolini, Fabbian, Ndoye, Castro
Italy Serie A 31/08/24
D
Empoli
1
Bologna
1
Italy Serie A 25/08/24
L
Napoli
3
Bologna
0
Italy Serie A 18/08/24
D
Udinese
1
Bologna
1
Elite Club Friendlies 10/08/24
W
Mallorca
1 (5)
Bologna
1 (6)
Club Friendly List 03/08/24
W
Sudtirol
0
Bologna
1
Player to watch – Santiago Castro
Bologna only picked up a point at home to Udinese last weekend, though they did muster 22 shots in their 1-1 draw and teenage striker Santiago Castro accounted for five of those efforts himself.
Castro has a bright future
Argentinean attacker Castro was considered a bright prospect in his homeland before signing for Bologna in January earlier this year and having taken time to settle in, he looks set to play a big role for his club this season. Castro will expect to see more minutes after the departure of Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United.
