Bologna vs Sassuolo
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 23 October 2016
Kick-Off: 17:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (Bologna).
Sassuolo make the short trip to Bologna on Sunday evening, will this derby game help turn around their poor away fortunes? Having finished sixth last season and secured a place in the Europa League, the visitors have a lot to match up to from last term. So far they’re struggling, and their problems away from home are a key part of their struggles.
Bologna are two places below their rivals, but they could leapfrog them with a home win this weekend. The hosts are missing a few players, which has led their form to dip of late. They’re without Mattia Destro, who has found the net three times this season. There’s also a worry over fellow forward Simone Verdi, who has also hit three so far.
Injuries up top are something these sides have in common, with Sassuolo eager for Domenico Berardi to make a return. He was being courted by Juventus in the summer, which says a lot about how he performed last season. The 22-year-old has a lot of potential, which he’ll show once he returns to fitness. Without their key man, they’ve had to rotate their forward line.
The man currently filling the breach is Gregoire Defrel. The Frenchman has hit four goals for Sassuolo this term, he’s been hugely important in keeping them competitive. While he’s not a big name, he’s a good stand in up front the Neroverdi. We’re backing Defrel to continue his strong scoring record so far, he’s a huge 12/5 to score any time here. That looks like great value, especially as many of the main contenders are out.
Even though Berardi has missed most of the season, Sassuolo are still having no problem on the goal front. They’ve scored in 100% of their away games. They’ve averaged 1.5 goals per game on their travels, while they’ve conceded 2.25 a game. That’s a huge worry, they really need to tighten up at the back. Their 1-1 draw in Vienna against Rapid was a boost, but they could do with a few clean sheets. They’ve conceded 12.5 shots on average away from home, with 18% of those hitting the back of the net.
Bologna are strong at home, but they’ve got a poor record here against Sassuolo. They’ve managed to score just over a goal per game this term, and we’re backing them to score against their local rivals. However, we see the visitors maintaining their 100% scoring record away. Both teams to score is our tip here, at 19/20 with bet365.
Bologna vs Sassuolo Head-to-head statistics
Bologna have won only one out of their four Serie A ties against Sassuolo (two losses, one draw).
The Rossoblu have never scored at home against the Neroverdi.
Sassuolo have lost their past three away games. The last time they lost four in a row on the road was back in April 2015.
Bologna have not tied any of their past eight games at home (four wins, four draws).
The Rossoblu have conceded six goals in the last 15 minutes – a league high.
The Neroverdi have not drawn in their last 12 Serie A games (eight wins, four draws).
Bologna vs Sassuolo: Prediction
Both sides come into this game having experienced some frustration and disappointment. Sassuolo’s away woes continue as they ended up drawing Rapid Wein – and that was thanks to the Austrians scoring an embarrassing own goal. How Di Francesco manages his team after their trip to Austria will also prove vital. It also could be an interesting family reunion as Sassuolo’s coach encounters his son, Federico, who plies his trade as a striker for Bologna.
Still, despite Sassuolo’s struggles on the road, one cannot discount the fact that the Rossoblu haven’t scored, let alone won this fixture on their home turf. The hosts surely will put up a good challenge, but Sassuolo should have just enough to see this one through.
Bologna vs Sassuolo: Betting tips
Sassuolo – WIN at 2/1 (3.00)
Both teams to score – YES at 19/20 (1.95).
