Bologna vs Napoli Today Prediction, Line up and Team news

​Bologna is set to host Napoli in a Serie A match on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 7:45 PM Central European Summer Time (CEST) at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, Italy. For viewers in Lagos, Nigeria, the match will begin at 6:45 PM West Africa Time (WAT).

Recent Form:

• • March 2, 2025: Bologna 2-1 Cagliari

  • March 9, 2025: Verona 1-2 Bologna

  • March 16, 2025: Bologna 5-0 Lazio​

  • March 29, 2025: Venezia 0-1 Bologna

    Bologna: Bologna has been in impressive form, securing victories in their last four Serie A matches:​

  • March 29, 2025: Napoli 2-1 Milan​

    Napoli: Napoli has also demonstrated strong performance, with notable recent results including:​

Head-to-Head Record:

In their last five encounters

• August 25, 2024: Napoli 3-0 Bologna​

• May 11, 2024: Napoli 0-2 Bologna

• September 24, 2023: Bologna 0-0 Napoli​

• May 28, 2023: Bologna 2-2 Napoli​

• October 16, 2022: Napoli 3-2 Bologna

Team News:

• Bologna: The team has been bolstered by the return of summer signing Alexis Saelemaekers from a sprained ankle; he is expected to make his debut from the bench. Adama Soumaoro remains sidelined due to an ACL rupture. Joshua Zirkzee is anticipated to lead the attack, supported by Lewis Ferguson, Jesper Karlsson, and Dan Ndoye.

• Napoli: Manager Antonio Conte welcomes back midfielders Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, enhancing the team’s options. However, defender Leonardo Spinazzola is still unavailable due to injury. Victor Osimhen is expected to spearhead the attack, aiming to end his recent goal drought.

Match Prediction:

Analysts anticipate a closely contested match, with a 1-1 draw being a likely outcome. Bologna’s solid home record and Napoli’s quality suggest a balanced encounter. ​

Betting Tips:

• Bologna to Win: Given Bologna’s five-game winning streak and strong home form, they are considered capable of upsetting second-placed Napoli.

• Riccardo Orsolini to Score: Orsolini has scored in Bologna’s last three matches, making him a strong candidate to find the net again.

Tactical Overview:

This fixture pits two tactically sound managers against each other—Thiago Motta for Bologna and Antonio Conte for Napoli. Motta’s Bologna side has impressed this season with their fluid possession-based play and structured pressing. They typically line up in a 4-2-3-1, using wide players like Jesper Karlsson and Dan Ndoye to stretch opposition defenses while Zirkzee operates as a clever link-up striker.

On the other hand, Conte’s Napoli is more pragmatic but deadly in transition. Expect them to set up in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 system, relying heavily on Osimhen’s pace and physicality up front, with creative support from players like Piotr Zieliński and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The midfield battle will be crucial—McTominay and Anguissa could be tasked with disrupting Bologna’s rhythm.

Key Battles to Watch:

• Victor Osimhen vs. Bologna’s Center Backs: If Osimhen can find space behind the line or bully his marker, Napoli could capitalize.

• Riccardo Orsolini vs. Napoli’s Left Wing-Back: Orsolini has been in hot form and will look to exploit any gaps, especially if Napoli’s wing-back pushes too high.

• Lewis Ferguson vs. Zambo Anguissa: A duel that may determine who controls midfield tempo.

What’s at Stake:

• For Bologna: A win could potentially lift them into the top four, strengthening their bid for a historic Champions League qualification.

• For Napoli: Three points would keep them in touching distance of Inter Milan at the top and affirm their title credentials.

Predicted Lineups:

Bologna (4-2-3-1):
Skorupski – Posch, Lucumi, Calafiori, Kristiansen – Aebischer, Freuler – Ndoye, Ferguson, Karlsson – Zirkzee

Napoli (3-4-3):
Meret – Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera – Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, Lobotka, Mário Rui – Zieliński, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Fan Expectations and Atmosphere:

The atmosphere at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is expected to be electric. Bologna’s fans have been buoyed by the team’s unexpected rise this season, with dreams of European football firmly within reach. Their passionate support has turned home games into tough tests for visiting teams, and Monday night should be no different. Chants, flares, and flags will bring the stadium to life as fans hope to witness another big scalp taken.

For Napoli supporters, optimism remains high as Antonio Conte has brought discipline and grit back into the squad. With a mix of seasoned internationals and explosive young talents, the Neapolitans are pushing to repeat their Scudetto success from recent years. Traveling fans will be vocal, and their expectations are nothing short of three points.

Injury Watch:

• Bologna: Still missing long-term absentee Adama Soumaoro, which limits defensive rotation. Saelemaekers returning is a boost, but he may only feature late in the game.

• Napoli: Spinazzola remains sidelined, and while not a starter under Conte yet, his absence reduces attacking options from the back. Watch for any late news regarding Zielinski, who had some minor fitness concerns earlier in the week.

Players to Watch:

• Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna):
  The Dutch forward has been a revelation this season. More than just a goal-scorer, his intelligent movement and link-up play allow Bologna’s midfielders and wingers to thrive. His ability to drop deep and draw defenders out of position will be key against Napoli’s back line.

• Victor Osimhen (Napoli):
  Although he’s had a slight dip in form lately, Osimhen remains one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe. His pace, aerial ability, and relentless pressing make him a nightmare for defenders. A goal in this match could be the spark he needs to return to top form.

• Lewis Ferguson (Bologna):
  The Scottish midfielder is the heartbeat of Bologna’s midfield. With his mix of vision, physicality, and composure under pressure, he could be the difference-maker in the middle of the park. His late runs into the box have also produced crucial goals this season.

• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli):
  The Georgian winger is known for his flair, dribbling, and unpredictability. If he’s given space on the left, he can cause havoc. His partnership with Osimhen is still one of the most feared duos in Serie A.

Historical Context:

Bologna and Napoli have a long-standing rivalry, though not one built on animosity, but rather competitiveness. Historically, Napoli has had the upper hand, but recent seasons have seen Bologna close the gap, especially under Thiago Motta’s guidance.

Interestingly, Bologna hasn’t beaten Napoli at home in Serie A since 2016. That adds another layer of motivation for the home side—and another record Napoli will look to protect.

Possible Game Changers:

• Substitutes:
  Watch out for Alexis Saelemaekers off the bench. His creativity and energy could be vital in the second half if Bologna needs a spark.
  For Napoli, Giacomo Raspadori or Eljif Elmas can provide a late surge in attack if the starting lineup struggles to break through.

• Set Pieces:
  With two tactically disciplined teams, set pieces might decide the game. Both sides boast strong aerial threats, and any lapse in marking could prove costly.

Matchday Atmosphere & Build-Up:

As kickoff approaches, excitement continues to build in both cities. Bologna, known for its deep-rooted football culture and loyal fanbase, is buzzing with anticipation. The city’s cafes, piazzas, and even university halls are abuzz with predictions and debates over whether this could be the season Bologna finally breaks into the elite tier of Italian football.

In Naples, fans remain cautiously optimistic. Under Antonio Conte’s no-nonsense leadership, Napoli has regained structure and focus. Despite a few bumps along the way, their tactical discipline and attacking threat remain intact, and fans are expecting their side to return home with all three points.

Weather & Pitch Conditions:

The forecast for Monday night in Bologna is clear skies with cool temperatures—ideal for a high-tempo football match. The pitch at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara has been maintained well throughout the season, so expect smooth passing and a quick surface, which could benefit both teams’ styles of play.

Final Thoughts:

As Bologna prepares to host Napoli, This game is more than just three points. It’s a battle between a traditional underdog punching above their weight and an elite club trying to reclaim dominance. Expect moments of high intensity, tactical chess, and possibly a few goals.