Napoli vs Bologna: Preview and Prediction

Napoli vs Bologna
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday, 17 September 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio San Paolo (Napoli).

Fresh off a well-deserved win in the Champions League, Napoli will look to wrap up an excellent week as they welcome Bologna to the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday.

New striker Arkadiusz Milik continued his fine start to life in Italy with an excellent brace against Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev. The road win puts the Partenopei on top of Group B after matchday one. Meanwhile, Juventus sit just two points ahead and will be taking on Inter on Sunday, presenting Napoli with a golden opportunity to temporarily overtake the Bianconeri at the top of the table should they beat Bologna.

In theory, the hosts should have no problem with picking up another three points. Although Vlad Chiriches will miss out, Maurizio Sarri will be able to welcome back Emanuele Giaccherini, which gives them another option in attack. Meanwhile, Roberto Donadoni’s side have not won away from home since February, and although they did manage two victories this term, Cagliari and Crotone are by no means on the same caliber as Napoli.

Injuries have begun to pile up for Bologna as well. Both Antonio Mirante and Alfred Gomis are out, meaning that Ângelo Da Costa will be the man between the posts. And despite Mattia Destro struggling with a muscular problem, the Italian striker will be called into action.

Bologna’s bad away record, coupled with Napoli’s strong home form do not bode well for the visitors. The Partenopei, in fact, not only have won 15 out of their last 20 games against teams in the bottom half of the table but also have not lost any of their last 20 fixtures at the Stadio San Paolo.

Napoli vs Bologna: Head-to-head statistics

• Napoli have won their past seven Serie A home fixtures.
• The Partenopei crushed Bologna 6-0 in this same match last season.
• Napoli have been winning at HT and FT in their past five home league games.
• Bologna have failed to win their last eight away games.
• Out of their past 20 home fixtures against teams below them in the table, Napoli have won 18 and drawn twice.
• Bologna have only won two out of their last 20 away games against teams ranked higher than them in the league table.

Napoli vs Bologna: Prediction

Not only have Napoli scored at least three goals in all but one out of their past seven Serie A home games, but also the Partenopei have netted at least twice in their last five meetings with Bologna. They should have no trouble doing the same on Saturday in what looks set to be a high scoring encounter. Milik to get on the score-sheet in a 3-0 win for the hosts.