Bologna vs Sassuolo
Serie A
Saturday
3rd February 2024
Renato Dall’Ara
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A fixture between Bologna and Sassuolo.
Bologna vs Sassuolo: Preview
Bologna form analysis
Bologna’s recent form has shown impressive attacking potential but lingering defensive issues that have created inconsistent results. On December 23rd, Bologna earned an impressive 1-0 home win over Atalanta thanks to a late Lewis Ferguson winner. However a week later defensive issues surfaced in a 3-0 away loss to Udinese. Bologna did show resilience in grinding out three successive draws against Genoa, strugglers Cagliari and most recently high flying AC Milan.
Striker Joshua Zirkzee has made an impact since scoring against Milan, while winger Riccardo Orsolini’s late penalty salvaged a point. So while Bologna has struggled defensively to keep goals out. However, those same defensive issues that hindered Bologna last season have persisted, conceding at least twice in eight of their last nine matches across all competitions. Cutting out individual mistakes and building defensive cohesion could help translate Bologna’s offensive talent into better form.
Sassuolo form analysis
Sassuolo’s recent form has showcased offensive limitations. On December 22nd Sassuolo suffered a disappointing 2-1 home loss to strugglers Genoa, requiring a Pinamonti goal just to stay competitive. Scoring issues emerged again on December 30th away to AC Milan, mustering just two shots on target in a 1-0 defeat. Sassuolo did earn a key 1-0 home win over Fiorentina on January 7th with Pinamonti again netting the lone goal. However offensive issues resurfaced on January 17th in a 3-0 thrashing by Juventus as Sassuolo failed to register a single shot on target.
Most recently on January 28th it was another 1-0 loss away to Monza. So while defensively organized under the manager, over reliance on Pinamonti and an uninspired supporting cast has hindered Sassuolo. Lacking creativity in midfield and production from the wings, Sassuolo too often struggle turning territorial dominance into goals. Adding a dynamic attacking midfielder could provide Sassuolo critical offensive reinforcements in their push up the Serie A table.
