It has been a busy week of Serie A football and these Bologna vs. Empoli predictions focus on two clubs seemingly moving in different directions.
1 – Bologna to win – 13/20
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 1/1
3 – Both teams not to score – 19/20
4 – Joshua Zirkzee to score anytime – 13/8
5 – Bologna to win 2-0 – 7/1
When Marko Arnautović left Bologna for Inter on loan at the start of the season, it seemed as though it could be a tough campaign ahead for Thiago Motta’s side. The Austrian had long been the main attacking threat in the team.
But, if anything, his departure has allowed some of the other forward players a chance to shine – and also give Bologna a wider range of options up front. The season has started off well and the visit of Empoli will do little to worry the home team.
Bologna have been something of a draw specialist in the opening weeks of the season, but the calibre of the opponents has to be taken into account. If the Rossoblu can keep this form up, victories over the weaker teams – such as Empoli – could push Motta’s side into European contention.
That must feel a long way off for Empoli fans right now. Although they would not have harboured any realistic hopes of finishing in the top six or seven this season, the early results are surely much worse than expected.
The Azzurri became the first club in Serie A history to have zero points and zero goals after five games – and it could get even worse still. Finding the net here will be a tough task and Bologna to win to nil is a much better option.
As mentioned, the home side now have a number of goal-scoring options in the team. But we think a bet on Joshua Zirkzee to score at any time might be the best choice. The Dutchman is revelling in his chance to show just how good he is.
Bologna vs. Empoli can be live streamed on the bet365 website. Customer account holders need to have funds in their account or have placed a bet in the 24 hours before kick off to access the action from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 11 | |
| 10 | |
| 6 | |
| 5 | |
| 4 |
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 |
Bologna (3-4-2-1): Skorupski; De Silvestri, Bonifazi, Soumaro Kristiansen; Freuler, Aebischer; Saelemaekers, Ferguson, Orsolini; Zirkzee
Empoli (4-2-3-1): Berisha; Ebuehi, Walukkiewicz, Luperto, Pezzella; Maleh, Grassi, Marin; Baldanzi, Cambiaghi; Destro
Thiago Motta will wait to see how his players get on against Monza on Thursday, but he could change things around again. He does have a few injuries to deal with but should be confident of a win, whichever starting XI he puts out.
Aurelio Andreazzoli will still be desperately trying to figure out which starting XI will be able to pick up some points for Empoli this season. He may look to the experienced Matteo Destro for goals at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
