Bologna vs Udinese: Betting Odds & Prediction
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Bologna continue their remarkable season as they host relegation-threatened Udinese in Serie A on Sunday.
The hosts are in pole position for an appearance in next year's Champions League for the first time under manager Thiago Motta. Kick-off is set for 2pm UK time at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.
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Bologna
Bologna have built on their ninth-place finish last season, remarkably finding themselves fourth with just five matches remaining in Serie A. A spot in next season's Champions League is all but secure, but for an almighty collapse in the final weeks of the campaign.
Instead of looking over their shoulder, Motta's men are now targeting a run at third-placed Juventus, whom they trail by just two points.
Only recently-crowned champions Inter Milan boast a better home record in the Italian top-flight. Averaging 2.29 points across 17 home outings, Bologna have suffered just two defeats at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara so far. One of those came against Inter last month.
Despite failing to score in four home fixtures, Bologna have still averaged an impressive 1.71 goals scored at home. Their defensive record makes for even better reading; Motta's men have conceded just eight goals at home so far, averaging 0.47 per game. Eleven have ended in a Bologna clean sheet.
Udinese
The away side's form pales in comparison to that of their hosts. A run which had seen Udinese record just one win in nine cost former manager Gabriele Cioffi his job earlier this month. Former World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro was brought in until the end of the season, but he suffered a loss in his first game as Udinese conceded a last-minute winner in an 18-minute match at home to Roma on Thursday.
The loss was their 13th of the campaign, and though they have won two of their last five on the road, they face a mountainous task against an in-form Bologna side.
With just 0.75 goals scored on the road, combined with 1.44 conceded, Udinese have underperformed at both ends of the pitch. Four of their away matches have ended in clean sheet, but a failure to convert up top has left them with a lofty 16 draws in total already this term.
Prediction
Bologna predictably enter the fixture firm favourites (8/13) with an upset win looking unlikely. Udinese's defensive record isn't awful but their attacking output hasn't been good enough, and is largely at fault for their languishing just above the relegation zone heading into the match.
OddsNow back the home side to continue their positive scoring record en route to another three points.