Napoli will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing result in their opening Serie A fixture as they host Bologna on Sunday. Partenopei still appear a bit unsettled at the moment and Bologna will be confident of avoiding defeat in Naples.
It was a disappointing start to the season for Napoli, who were hammered 3-0 at Verona in their opening fixture. They were constantly being carved open at the back and also lacked the cutting edge in attack, failing to make their superior possession count.
Manager Antonio Conte will be keen to get things going in front of their fans but Napoli still appear a bit unsettled at the moment. There is uncertainty regarding Victor Osimhen's future while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked up an injury in the opening fixture.
It was also an inauspicious start to the season for Bologna, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Udinese in their opening Serie A fixture. They struck first through Riccardo Orsolini's second half penalty but were quickly pegged back by the visitors.
Having been one of the surprise teams last term, Bologna will be looking to repeat some of their performances. However, this is shaping up to be a transitional season under new manager Vincenzo Italiano having also lost star striker Joshua Zirkzee in the transfer window.
How the bookies view it: Napoli backed to triumph
The bookies have installed Napoli as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 9/10 by Betfred. A victory for Bologna is valued at 16/5 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 12/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Napoli on top
Napoli have a 21-12 advantage with seven draws from 40 previous matches against Bologna. However, Bologna were unbeaten in the two fixtures last season, playing out a 0-0 draw at home before winning 2-0 in Naples.
Players to watch: Politano to step up
With Osimhen not expected to play and Kvaratskhelia seemingly injured, Napoli's attacking threat will rest on Matteo Politano. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 7/2 by Betfred.
Orsolini appears to have picked up where he left off last season following his goal in the opening fixture. The forward will be the one to watch for Bologna on Sunday and is priced at 4/1 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Osimhen is likely to miss out once again for Napoli, with his future still uncertain while Kvaratskhelia is ruled out with injury. Giacomo Raspadori should be handed a start after coming off the bench last time out while Stanislav Lobotka is set to feature in midfield.
Summer signing Thijs Dallinga was a second half substitute for Bologna last time out and could be set for his full debut on Saturday. Orsolini is also expected to feature in attack while Sam Beukema is likely to start in defence.
Napoli: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Mazzocchi, Anguissa, Lobotka, Spinazzola, Politano, Raspadori, Simeone
Bologna: Skorupski, Posch, Erlic, Beukema, Lykogiannis, Moro, Freuler, Ndoye, Fabbian, Orsolini, Dallinga
Anything else catch the eye?
Napoli and Bologna are not particularly convincing at the back and both teams could be backed to score at 4/5 with Betfred. Over 2.5 goals could be considered at 10/11 with Betfred, who is also offering odds of 5/2 for over 3.5 goals.
Both teams saw more goals after the break in their opening fixtures and could be set for a similar pattern at 11/10 by Betfred.
This Serie A match between Napoli and Bologna will be played on Aug 25, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Napoli vs Bologna prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
