Bologna began their 2024-24 Serie A campaign with a home clash against Udinese on Sunday. There have been a few changes at Bologna in the summer but they are still expected to begin with a win in front of their fans.
One of the surprise teams in Serie A last season, Bologna upset some of the established order to secure a Champions League place. They will have eyes on them this season but will be keen to have a repeat of the previous campaign.
The price of success for Bologna is the departure of manager Thiago Motta and striker Joshua Zirkzee, although Thijs Dallinga is among the arrivals this summer. New gaffer Vincenzo Italiano also has Riccardo Orsolini to call on and they were unbeaten in preseason, claiming three wins from four matches.
In contrast to Bologna’s fine showings last season, Udinese were far from their best. They were constantly struggling near the bottom end of the table and barely escaped the drop, finishing just two points above the relegation zone.
A major acquisition for Udinese in the transfer market is securing the return of Alexis Sanchez. Kosta Runjaic’s men were solid in preseason and claimed a 4-0 victory over Avellino in the Coppa Italia first round.
How the bookies view it: Bologna to prevail
The bookies have installed Bologna as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 9/10 by Betfred. A victory for Udinese is valued at 7/2 while Betfred is also offering odds of 23/10 for a draw.
Head to head: Udinese with the edge
Udinese have a 20-14 advantage with 15 draws from 49 previous matches against Bologna. They were also unbeaten in this fixture last season, earning a 3-0 victory at home before playing out a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Players to watch: Orsolini to shine
Following the departure of Joshua Zirkzee, Riccardo Orsolini will be the one to watch on Sunday. The forward scored 10 goals last season and is priced at 9/4 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Lorenzo Lucca scored eight times for Udinese last season and is already off the mark this term, grabbing one of the goals in the Coppa Italia. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on to find the net on Sunday at 100/30 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Bologna have high hopes for Thijs Dallinga, who is expected to start in attack alongside Riccardo Orsolini. Remo Freuler should start in midfield while Erilic Martin is set to hold the fort at the back.
Returning star Alexis Sanchez could be eased in slowly and is likely to start from the bench. Lorenzo Lucca should lead the line on Saturday while Sandi Lovric is expected to feature in midfield.
Bologna: Skorupski, Posch, Erlic, Beukema, Lykogiannis, Morocco, Freuler, Cambiaghi, Fabbian, Orsolini, Dallinga
Udinese: Okoye, Gianetti, Bijol, Perez, Kamara, Payero, Lovric, Ehizibue, Thauvin, Brunner, Lucca
Anything else catch the eye?
Bologna and Udinese know their way to goal and both teams could be backed to score at 11/10 with Betfred. Over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 11/8 by Betfred, who is also offering 100/30 for over 3.5 goals.
The hosts are expected to come out on top on Sunday and could be backed to score in both halves 23/10 with Betfred.
This Serie A match between Bologna and Udinese will be played on Aug 18, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Bologna vs Udinese prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
