Empoli vs Bologna Prediction, Tips & Odds – 15.03.2024
Empoli vs Bologna Prediction 15.03.2024. In the opening match of the 29th round of the Italian Serie A, Empoli will host Bologna on Friday at 8:45 PM at the Carlo Castellani Stadium.
In the previous round, both teams suffered narrow defeats. The hosts lost to AC Milan, while the visitors were defeated by Inter.
We found the best odds for this game at the popular Ivibet sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today. Read our article if you wonder how to claim this Ivibet Welcome Bonus.
Empoli vs Bologna Odds
Empoli Team News
Empoli needs a win for very clear reasons, as the relegation battle intensifies heading into the end of the season. With Salernitana almost certainly relegated, the seven teams from 19th to 13th place are separated by just four points, and Azzurri are only one point and one place ahead of Frosinone, who are in 18th place.
After an inspiring return to form when Davide Nicola was appointed earlier this year, resulting in a streak of six games unbeaten in his first stint as head coach, they have now suffered two consecutive 1-0 defeats. The home loss to Cagliari was damaging as another win for the Sardinians last weekend placed them ahead of Empoli, although Azzurri showed enough fight despite losing at San Siro to AC Milan. The picture regarding relegation won’t be decided in away games against AC Milan, but Empoli may need to pull off a surprise somewhere to turn around their very tough fixture schedule until the end of the season.
After this match against fourth-placed Bologna, Nicola’s players still have to visit Inter, Atalanta, and Lazio, while also hosting Napoli and Roma here, so games against Lecce, Frosinone, and Udinese towards the end seem like must-win matches, or else relegation could be looming for the Tuscans.
Empoli will be without Jacopo Fazzini after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend, while the recent issue of Alberto Grassi will also keep him out. Szymon Zurkowski returned to the midfield last week, and he is the club’s top scorer with four goals, all of which came in his first 108 minutes of play since returning from Spezia in January. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Empoli have failed to score in 15 of their 28 games this season, so Mbaye Niang will attempt to address their goal-scoring problems, and he got his first start for the club against his former team Milan.
Bologna Team News
Despite another superb performance, Bologna faced a setback against the determined Nerazzurri last Saturday, losing 1-0. However, that’s only half the story, as Bologna had more shots on goal than Inter, 19 to 5, and prevented the league leaders from threatening at all in the entire second half. Simone Inzaghi praised Thiago Motta’s team after the match, but it ended Rossoblu’s streak of six Serie A victories.
In addition, Bologna secured several crucial wins in their pursuit of fourth place, including victories against Fiorentina, and away matches against Atalanta and Lazio. This could be a sign that their away form is improving, as they had only one win in their first 11 away league games this season before achieving back-to-back victories in their last two.
Despite last week’s defeat, Bologna remains in the top four, with Roma in fifth place, three points behind. While there is a strong possibility that Italy will have five spots in the Champions League next season, this will only enhance their chances. This makes the upcoming match against the struggling Empoli crucial, although Bologna has a poor record in this part of Tuscany, failing to win in all 12 of their previous league visits to the Carlo Castellani stadium. The last four meetings at this venue have all ended in defeat for the visitors, conceding 12 goals during that period.
Joshua Zirkzee’s injury is a major concern for the visiting team, as the Dutch striker has played a key role in their success this season. Bologna’s forward has reached double figures in Serie A goals, and his ball-holding play is crucial to Motta’s attacking style. Recent absences due to injuries have caused problems for the team without him. Additionally, Jesper Karlsson will be sidelined due to a sprained ankle, while Adama Soumaoro is also unavailable due to a knee injury that ended his season.
Empoli vs Bologna H2H
06.02.2022. Bologna vs Empoli 0:0
17.09.2022. Bologna vs Empoli 0:1
04.05.2023. Empoli vs Bologna 3:1
01.10.2023. Bologna vs Empoli 3:0
Injuries and suspensions
Empoli: Jacopo Fazzini, Alberto Grassi
Bologna: Jesper Karlsson, Adama Soumaoro, Joshua Zirkzee
Expected Lineups
Empoli (3-5-2): Caprile; Bereszynski, Walukiewicz, Luperto; Gyasi, Zurkowski, Marin, Maleh, Pezzella; Niang, Cambiaghi
Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Freuler, Ferguson, Fabbian; Orsolini, Odgaard, Saelemaekers
Empoli vs Bologna Prediction
Bologna, despite their good results under Motta, may face difficulties in creating opportunities in the final third due to Zirkzee’s absence in attack, but they are still slightly favored in this encounter. On the other hand, Empoli faces a challenge as they have one of the least productive attacks among the top European leagues, and facing Bologna’s strong defense likely won’t yield much for the home team. Therefore, we believe that betting on a draw or an away win, with a maximum of three goals scored in the entire match, is a promising suggestion.
Kick-off Time: Friday, 15.03.2024, 8:45 AM Local Time (GMT +1), 20:45 CET
Prediction: draw/Bologna & under 3.5
Odds (when tipped): 1.62
Sportsbook: Ivibet
Join Bet Experts Telegram for Best Free Bets!
Share Our Content on Social Networks:
