Bologna vs Parma Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Bologna:
Skorupski; Mbaye, Danilo, Lyanco, Krejci; Pulgar, Dzemaili; Orsolini, Edera, Soriano; Palacio
Parma:
Sepe; Gazzola, Iacoponi, Bruno Alves, Bastoni, Dimarco; Rigoni, Scozzarella, Stulac; Siligardi, Gervinho
Bologna will host Parma in the Emilia-Romagna Derby. Both teams are not safe from relegation, so this match is very important. Bologna have 37 points, while Parma 38 and they are both dangerously close to the drop zone. The hosts are in solid form in the last period, although they lost 2:1 to Milan in the previous round. The defeat was undeserved according to the coach Sinisa Mihajlovic. The Serbian tactician felt his team "deserved to go at least two goals up" at San Siro. To be worse, two players were sent off on that match - Nicola Sansone and Mitchell Dijks. Worst of all, they are suspended for this match and it is a huge handicap for Bologna. But that's not all, Andrea Poli is also banned, while Federico Mattiello is sidelined through injury. At this point I will mention something positive - the home form. Bologna are in fantastic series of five victories at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. That started against Cagliari in March when Bologna won 2:0 thanks to goals scored by Erick Pulgar and Roberto Soriano. Then came the narrow victory (2:1) over Sassuolo. Erick Pulgar and Mattia Destro were scorers on that match. The highest victory were obtain against Chievo and Sampdoria as both games ended with 3:0. Two goals from Erick Pulgar and one from Mitchell Dijks secured the victory against the Flying Donkeys, while Lorenzo Tonelli, Erick Pulgar and Riccardo Orsolini scored the goals against Sampdoria. In the last home match Bologna won 3:1 against Empoli. Roberto Soriano, Riccardo Orsolini and Nicola Sansone netted the goals two weeks ago.
As I wrote above, Parma have 38 points and sit close to the drop zone. The Ducali will face Fiorentina and Roma in the last two rounds. It is clear there is no space for any relaxation and must stay fully focused. Coach Roberto D’Aversa is feeling some pressure, as well as the players. The actual form is solid as Parma are unbeaten on the last five matches in Serie A, though they all finished with draw. The series started with goalless draws against Torino and Sassuolo, while continued with 1:1 draws with Milan and Chievo. Bruno Alves and Juraj Kucka were the scorers in these matches. In the last round Parma played a high scoring draw (3:3) with Sampdoria. The Gialloblu took an early lead in the second minute through Marcello Gazzola's goal, but found themselves 3:1 down by the 61st minute. However, Juraj Kucka converted a penalty in the 67th minute, while three minutes later Alessandro Bastoni equalized the result. I believe the atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is higher. For this match D’Aversa has lot of injury and suspension worries. Juraj Kucka and Antonino Barilla are both banned, while Roberto Inglese, Nicolas Schiappacasse, Riccardo Gagliolo, Jonathan Biabiany and Alberto Grassi are all struggling with injuries. The absence of Kucka who scored in each of his last two appearances is a big handicap for the guests.
Bologna vs Parma Prediction:
I expect an interesting Emilia-Romagna Derby. Both teams need points in the relegation battle, however Bologna are closer to the victory. The home advantage is the key reason for my pick. Bologna have five victories at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and I expect the series to continue.
Bologna vs Parma Pick: Home win @ 1.85 with
Pinnacle