Sampdoria – Bologna : Preview & Prediction
A spirited performance helped Sampdoria earn a precious point against Inter Milan the previous matchday although it extended their winless streak to seven games (E2, P5). They still remain eight points away from Serie A (SA) relegation, but coach Dejan Stanković recently mentioned that he “believes in miracles”, backing his team to extend their run of 11 consecutive top-flight campaigns, and ending their eight-game winless streak in the league against Bologna (E1, P7) would help support those words.
The home side will surely need to improve their goal average to end their predicament (GF: 10), although improving their home record, earning just three points so far – tied for the lowest amount in the league – seems just as important. With seven failed attempts at scoring in league games at home, Sampdoria know that improvements must come soon, but at least having scored in 12 consecutive league clashes at this stadium against their arch-rivals shows that this fixture could go some way to turning things around.
Bologna will not make things easy, with coach Thiago Motta calling on his team to “do things better” after their 1-0 loss to Monza last weekend. The visitors are comfortably 12 points above the relegation zone and a win in this clash would see them move up to seventh place with Motta impressing in charge, although he is looking to postpone contract renewal negotiations as he seeks a place in European competition for the first time since 2002.
The team will want to bounce back immediately to keep those dreams alive and will certainly not mind being away from their home stadium after winning their last two league appearances on rival soil. As they look for a third straight away win in SA for the first time since January 2016, a run of three straight SA wins against their turnaround opponents at this venue could represent a big boost.
Players to watch: Sampdoria’s Manolo Gabbiadini has scored six goals in SA against Bologna – tied for the most against one club in his career. Looking to surpass him will be Riccardo Orsolini, who has been directly involved in Bologna’s last four goals in SA (two goals, two assists).
Key stat: Bologna have won their last two away league games and their last three visits in SA against Sampdoria by a 2-1 scoreline.
Sampdoria – Bologna : Betting Tips
Sampdoria – Win Odds: 2.25
