Welcome a high-flying Serie A encounter that features Lazio hosting Bologna at the iconic Stadio Olimpico this Sunday, November 24, 2024. With both sides winning their previous games in fine form, fans are in for a thrilling battle between two in-form sides. Here’s everything you need to know going into this battle, including predictions, team news, and key stats.
Lazio vs. Bologna Match Preview
Lazio’s Red-Hot Form
Lazio have become the team to beat, moving swiftly up the table in the Serie A with four straight wins coming into the international break. A narrow 1-0 victory over Monza sealed with the first-half strike by skipper Mattia Zaccagni has put them one point off the summit of the league.
Under Marco Baroni, Lazio have developed into genuine title contenders. They are winners of 10 of their last 11 matches between Serie A and the Europa League and have shown consistency and resilience. Now, they pursue a seventh successive league win, something they last did in 2017.
Key Stats:
Lazio has the league’s biggest points increase currently (+8) compared to this stage last term.
Unbeaten in 10 of the last 11 home matches against Bologna.
Bologna’s Impressive Streak
Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna is also on a fine run after going unbeaten in nine matches in Serie A. The highlight of their growing momentum was the 3-2 win over Roma before the break, with goals from Santiago Castro, Jesper Karlsson, and Riccardo Orsolini.
A trip to Stadio Olimpico, however, provides a stern test for Bologna, who are yet to score a Champions League goal this season. Their away form does match some of Serie A’s biggest weights with 11 points accumulated, making them one tough opponent.
Key Stats:
Bologna completed a double over Lazio last season and seeks a third consecutive win over the Biancocelesti for the first time since 1980.
Captain Riccardo Orsolini has scored more opening goals, 4, than any other Serie A player this season.
Team News
Lazio
Out: Nuno Tavares – muscular injury.
Doubtful: Pedro – illness.
Key Changes: Luca Pellegrini is expected to come in for Tavares while Boulaye Dia or top scorer Taty Castellanos will be the spearhead of the attack alongside Zaccagni.
Predicted Lineup:
Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Vecino, Rovella, Guendouzi; Pedro, Dia, Zaccagni.
Bologna
Out: Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, Michel Aebischer – injuries.
Doubtful: Dan Ndoye – bruised shin.
Key Players: Orsolini is looking to score his fifth successive league goal, while Santiago Castro will lead the line of attack.
Predicted Lineup:
Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Karlsson; Castro.
Lazio vs. Bologna: Match Prediction
Lazio’s attacking depth and home advantage give them a slight edge for this match. The resilience and strong away form displayed by Bologna can’t be written off, but the attacking ability of Lazio (with an average of over two goals per game) might prove telling.
Prediction: Lazio 2-1 Bologna
