Sabasports Match Preview
Italian Serie A: Empoli vs Bologna
Kickoff Time: 2024-03-16 03:45 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo
Davide Nicola’s impact on Empoli since taking over has indeed been
notable. They have experienced a significant improvement in their overall
performance, including a commendable six-game unbeaten streak in the league.
Nicola has earned a reputation as an avoid-relegation specialist in Serie A,
having successfully guided teams like Crotone, Genoa, Torino, and Salernitana
to avoid relegation in the past. Nicola’s tactical approach is known for its
pragmatism, with a focus on defensive solidity and effective counterattacks.
When facing opponents who prefer an attacking style of play, Nicola’s teams
tend to maintain a compact defensive shape, limiting the opponent’s space for
ball control and attacking opportunities. This strategy can make it challenging
for the opponent to break through and create scoring chances.
Bologna have indeed emerged as a surprising contender in Serie A this
season, currently holding the fourth position in the standings. However, their
recent loss to league leaders Inter at home brought an end to their impressive
six-game winning streak. Bologna primarily employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, but they
sometimes switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation against weaker opponents
to enhance their offensive capabilities. Their tactics heavily rely on
defensive counterattacks. They utilize midfielders and forward players to
intercept the opponent’s progress and quickly initiate swift counterattacks
when the opposition makes errors in passing or receiving. It is worth noting
that Bologna’s away performances have been less impressive compared to their home
matches. In the 13 away games played so far in the league, they have secured
only three wins, seven draws, and three losses, resulting in a modest winning
rate of 23%.
While Bologna have had a better overall performance this season
compared to Empoli, it is important to acknowledge the historical track record
between the two teams. While Bologna have lost their last four away games
against Empoli, it suggests that Empoli have had the upper hand in their recent
encounters. Furthermore, Bologna’s away win rate this season has been
relatively low, which could further contribute to the perception that they may
struggle when playing away from home. On the other hand, Empoli’s performance
has improved significantly since their coaching change, which adds another
factor to consider. So, it is reasonable to be optimistic about Empoli’s
chances of defending their home ground and potentially securing points in the
upcoming match.
Empoli’s Last 5 Games: LLWDW
24-03-10 AC Milan 1-0 Empoli
24-03-03 Empoli 0-1 Cagliari
24-02-24 Sassuolo 2-3 Empoli
24-02-18 Empoli 1-1 Fiorentina
24-02-10 Salernitana 1-3 Empoli
Bologna’s Last 5 Games: LWWWW
24-03-10 Bologna 0-1 Inter
24-03-04 Atalanta 1-2 Bologna
24-02-24 Bologna 2-0 Verona
24-02-18 Lazio 1-2 Bologna
24-02-15 Bologna 2-0 Fiorentina
Head To Head Record:
23-10-01 Bologna 3-0 Empoli
23-05-05 Empoli 3-1 Bologna
22-09-17 Bologna 0-1 Empoli
22-02-06 Bologna 0-0 Empoli
21-09-26 Empoli 4-2 Bologna
Prediction: Empoli to win or
Draw