Bologna has a chance to kick off 2024 in a very special way, as three points on Friday at home against Genoa would lift the Rossoblu into Serie A’s top four.
Bookmaker 10bet offers odds at 2.10 for Bologna to win, while the odds are at 4.333 for Genoa to triumph. You can back a draw with the odds at 3.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 4th, 2:30 P.M. (EST)
2023 ended in a miserable way for Bologna, with Thiago Motta seeing his side beaten by Udinese 3-0 away from home, but the 2023-24 season as a whole has been hugely successful for the team. Bologna has suffered only three defeats so far and has a realistic chance to challenge for a Champions League spot if there isn’t a dip in form over the latter half of the season.
With only 15 goals conceded across 18 matches, defense has been the key to Bologna’s success, and the team’s home results have been particularly impressive. Motta’s men have won six in a row at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara with only one goal conceded. In nine home matches in total, Bologna has given up only four goals. The rock-solid defense has led to a very impressive record of seven wins, one draw, and one loss at home.
21-year-old Riccardo Calafiori has put in impressive performances at the back, with Sam Beukema being another key performer next to him. Up top, former Bayern youngster Joshua Zirkzee has displayed his full potential by registering seven goals and two assists. He’s been involved in 43 percent of Bologna’s goals, and stopping him will have to be one of the priorities for Genoa on Friday.
Luckily for the visitors, Motta will be without a major piece for the first game of 2024, as Lewis Ferguson misses the contest with a suspension. He’s been producing inspiring performances from the midfield all season long and even finished 2023 wearing the captain’s armband for the final few weeks.
Genoa is injury-free, but question marks surround highly-rated center-back Radu Dragusin, who’s been heavily linked with Tottenham. He could be on the move to London any day but is currently expected to feature at the Dall’Ara.
Alberto Gilardino takes his men to Bologna with the team on a decent run. Genoa has suffered just one defeat in its last five outings, and the side’s three draws in December included 1-1 results against two of the best teams in the league, Inter Milan and Juventus.
Gilardino has been growing his reputation at Genoa, guiding the club to a safe midtable position. However, to stay there for the rest of the season, the Grifone must improve its away form. Genoa has lost six of nine away games this season, including four of the last five.
