Bologna vs Genoa
Serie A
Friday
5th January 2024
Renato Dall’Ara
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A fixture between Bologna and Genoa.
Bologna vs Genoa: Preview
Bologna form analysis
Bologna’s recent league form has been inconsistent. After grinding out a creditable 1-1 away draw against Lecce on December 3rd, Bologna earned an impressive 1-2 away win over struggling Salernitana on December 10th thanks to a brace from in-form striker J. Zirkzee. Hopes of a turning point were heightened after a huge 2-0 home scalp over top four contenders Roma on December 17th, with goals from Moro and a Kristensen own goal. Bologna built on this momentum by edging past Atalanta 1-0 at home on December 23rd via an 86th minute L. Ferguson header for a vital three points.
However, the winter break ended on a low note after a chastening 0-3 defeat away at Udinese on December 30th, unable to handle the hosts’ intensity. Overall, while Bologna has shown they can mix it with Serie A’s top sides, consistency has been lacking. Shoring up defensive lapses and improving chance conversion seem priorities for coach Thiago Motta to steer Bologna safely away from relegation trouble in the second half of the campaign. With creative talents like Moro and Orsolini supplying striker Zirkzee, Bologna’s attack seems capable of firepower if supplied adequate service.
Genoa form analysis
Genoa’s recent league form shows signs of improvement despite mixed results. After rescuing a late 1-1 home draw with Empoli on December 2nd courtesy of new signing Malinovskyi’s first goal for the club, Genoa suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat away at Monza on December 10th. They stabilized by holding Italian giants Juventus to a creditable 1-1 home draw on December 16th, equalizing through A. Guðmundsson after going behind. Genoa then earned a morale-boosting 1-2 comeback win away at Sassuolo on December 22nd, overturning Pinamonti’s opener with Guðmundsson’s penalty and a late winner from C. Ekuban.
The year ended with Genoa claiming another 1-1 home draw with top four hopefuls Inter Milan, answering Marko Arnautović’s opener through defender R. Drăgușin. While not yet consistent, Genoa’s form has ticked upwards after a poor start. Building on these improved defensive performances and chance creation will be critical for the manager to lift Genoa away from the drop zone in the second half of the season.
