Bologna stand in the way of Napoli, and these are two clubs under pressure to achieve their objectives, particularly Antonio Conte’s side, who can close the gap on Inter Milan.

Vincenzo Italiano is the reason why Bologna fans have forgotten about Thiago Motta following a stellar run in the current campaign. Serie A has been extremely competitive this season, with the race for a top-four finish more intriguing than ever, as at least six teams are vying for two spots to play in the Champions League. Bologna are one of those teams as they get set to face Napoli on Monday.

Bologna put one strong foot into the Coppa Italia final with a dominant display against Empoli last week, as their 3-0 win ensured Vincenzo Italiano’s side secured their sixth straight win in all competitions. Now, they face up to the challenge posed by title-chasing Napoli, and Bologna could be under pressure depending on how the games on Sunday transpire.

As things stand, only fifth-placed Juventus can overtake them on the table, as the Bianconeri are only a point behind the Rossoblu. However, there are many tough fixtures ahead in the eight remaining games for Bologna, as they are yet to face Atalanta BC, Juventus, Fiorentina, and both Milan clubs; this run will determine their character in this difficult run-in to finish in the top four.

Meanwhile, Napoli will be extremely thankful for some of the results that transpired elsewhere during a difficult period stretching over a month. Antonio Conte’s side re-asserted themselves as the only challengers for the Scudetto with a 2-1 win over AC Milan right after the international break, although they are seen as fortunate to be in a position to challenge following a run where they have only two of their last eight Serie A games.

Inter Milan only managed a 2-2 draw against 16th-placed Parma away from home, which potentially opens up a chance for Napoli to close the gap at the top to just a single point. They also have a favourable recent record against fourth-placed Bologna in Serie A, which Conte will surely look to exploit.

With eight games remaining in this Serie A season, the time has come when every point matters, as there are no guarantees about the direction this league will go in. Hence, Conte will surely target a top-notch victory on Monday night, which will also show the manager the character of his team and whether they are built to challenge Inter Milan at this crucial stage of the season when it matters.

Team News & Tactics

Bologna

Bologna are relatively injury-free ahead of the game against Napoli, although their win over Empoli did come at a cost as former AC Milan skipper and right-back Davide Calabria suffered an ankle problem. The full-back is certainly ruled out of proceedings and remains the only player with a fitness issue. There will be some late assessment on Santiago Castro, who has resumed full training and should be back in the lineup if deemed fit.

The recently-capped Argentine international should be leading the line and replace midweek hero Thijs Dallinga who will have a claim to the No.9 spot after scoring a brace against Empoli. However, with Castro, Vincenzo Italiano will feel the Bologna attack is stronger alongside the likes of Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard and Dan Ndoye.

At the back, Sam Buekema and Jhon Lucumi should hold the central defensive spots, with Emil Holm likely to replace Calabria in the right-back position. Remo Freuler and Lewis Ferguson will be the likely choices in central midfield.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro

Napoli

The return of Frank Anguissa has given Conte’s side a massive tactical boost ahead of the most crucial period of their season. The midfielder does allow Napoli to revert to a 4-3-3, as the manager can potentially name a strong lineup to face Bologna.

Full-back Leonardo Spinazzola and Nikita Contini are the only injury doubts for this trip to Bologna, as Mathias Olivera will probably replace the former in the left-back role.

Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buongiorno are the main candidates for the central defensive setup, as key man Giovanni Di Lorenzo takes his customary right-back slot. Anguissa will play on the right side of the midfield three, with Stanislav Lobotka at the base and the returning Scott McTominay on the left.

McTominay missed the Milan clash with an illness, and he should make the lineup at the expense of compatriot Billy Gilmour. David Nerez and Matteo Politano will feature on either side of striker Romelu Lukaku, who has a good enough record when facing Bologna.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay; Politano, Lukaku, Neres

Key Stats

• Bologna have won their last 5 matches in Serie A.
• Bologna have won their last 6 home games in Serie A.
• Napoli are undefeated in 14 of their last 15 matches in Serie A.
• Napoli are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 matches against Bologna in all competitions.

Player to Watch

Romelu Lukaku

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Napoli find themselves in a pressure situation once again as Conte will hope his key striker comes good on Monday night. Lukaku has more goal involvements since the turn of the year barring Mateo Retegui, as he remains Napoli’s most important star, with the hopes that he will lead the team as close as possible to leaders Inter Milan.

This upcoming game between Bologna and Napoli also represents the stark contrast in goalscoring form for two attackers in Orsolini and Lukaku. The former is yet to score a goal against the Naples side, while the Belgian has scored five times against Bologna in as many appearances, as the Napoli man will aim to score again following a 400th career goal that came against AC Milan last weekend.

Prediction

Bologna 1-2 Napoli

There’s a big argument to be had in predicting the likely outcome of this clash, as these are two teams coming into this match-up under big pressure. Bologna could be seen as a winner if they can maintain their top form, especially on home soil, as Vincenzo Italiano’s side can certainly have a big say in the title race.

However, Napoli will be eager to rediscover their top form, and given their players are coming into the show for a big late run-in, Conte with his experience can help them steer over the finish line. Napoli will be seen as the slight favourites to take three points, despite the team lagging behind Bologna in terms of form and momentum.