Serie A Preview: Bologna – Fiorentina

The two sides are both looking to start off their league campaign on the right track this weekend...

Aug 21, 2009 8:00:17 AM

More On :  Bologna, Fiorentina
Cristiano Zanetti - Fiorentina (Grazia Neri)
Kick-off: Saturday, 22 August 2009, 18:00 CET.
Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna.

Can The Rossoblu Avoid Relegation?

Last season, Bologna barely avoided relegation, only managing to ensure their status in the top flight on the final day of the season, and many have tipped them to be involved in the dogfight at the bottom of the table once more in 2009-10.
Don't Miss

An underwhelming summer transfer campaign has brought out the critics in droves, with veteran midfielder Sergio Volpi leaving and Roberto Guana coming in his place. Meanwhile, the departure of Claudio Terzi was substituted with former Palermo man Andrea Raggi.

Despite the scepticism, striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has asked people to let the club’s performances do the talking. “I don't agree when I read in newspapers that we are poor or that we cannot be saved. If I am not mistaken, the league hasn't started yet and everything is just in writing," he explained this week.

It remains to be seen whether the club can indeed prove their doubters wrong, but a result against the Tuscan side would be a positive start.

Can Fiorentina Keep Up The Pace?

Similar to Bologna, the Viola did not enjoy a particularly fruitful summer transfer campaign. One of the top Serie A player last season, Felipe Melo, left for Juventus. Meanwhile, Cristiano Zanetti and Marco Marchionni were brought in to compensate.

Up front, one feels the arrival of striker Jose Castillo was not the club’s first option in looking for a back-up to Alberto Gilardino, and to make matters worse, sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has been unable to secure the signing of a top defender, despite the arrival of Torino's Cesare Natali.

Nonetheless, expectations will be that Fiorentina challenge for a spot in the top four, but at the moment the club have the pressing concern of Champions League qualification.

Having secured a 2-2 draw in Portugal against Sporting Lisbon, coach Cesare Prandelli is well aware his side have done just half the job thus far and may decide to rest some of key players or give them less than 90 minutes.

FORM GUIDE

Bologna

15 August (Coppa Italia): Bologna 0-0* Frosinone (6-7 on penalties)
6 August (Friendly): Bologna 0-1 Ravenna
29 July (Friendly): Bologna-Sassuolo 2-1
26 July (Friendly): Bologna-Sportul Bucarest 2-1
22 July (Friendly): Bologna-Colligiana 1-0

Fiorentina

18 August (Champions League): Sporting 2-2 Fiorentina
8 August (Friendly): Aston Villa 1-0 Fiorentina
2 August (45 min. Friendly): Cagliari 1-0 Fiorentina
2 August (45 min. Friendly): Catania 2-0 Fiorentina
29 July (Friendly): PSG 3-0 Fiorentina

TEAM NEWS

Bologna

The Rossoblu start off the season with a clean slate - no injuries and no suspensions for coach Giuseppe Papadopulo to worry about.

Probable Starting XI (3-5-2): Viviano; Moras, Portanova, Raggi; Zenoni, Guana, Mutarelli, Tedesco, Valiani; Di Vaio, Osvaldo.

Fiorentina

Prandelli will have to do without veteran striker Jose Castillo, but otherwise will have his full squad to choose from at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Frey; Comotto, Dainelli, Gamberini, Vargas; Marchionni, Zanetti, Montolivo, Vargas; Gilardino, Mutu.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bologna

After finding little place at Fiorentina due to the form of Mutu and Gilardino, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo left for Bologna last winter hoping to perform. Unfortunately, due to both injury and poor form, that hasn’t been the case, but with a new season he will be keen to get back on track and also get some revenge on his former employers.

Fiorentina

Another ex-player in this match is centre-back Alessandro Gamberini, who has became a mainstay in the defence for the Viola since joining from their opponents in 2005. His performance at the back will be crucial, as the club’s back line has often been criticised for having lapses.

PREDICTION

The Viola will be a little fatigued from their Champions League play-off first-leg and will also have one eye on the return match. Clearly the Rossoblu do not have the quality of their opponents, but should have enough to take advantage of a tired and distracted side. A draw would suit both teams in the opener.

Bologna 1-1 Fiorentina

Adam Scime, Goal.com  
Follow Goal.com on Twitter
Follow Goal.com on Facebook
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
11 Comments
 
Advertisement
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Capello remains one of the greats of the game Capello remains one of the greats of the game

    After tasting success wherever he had gone previously, the coach will look upon his time at Wembley as an incomplete job rather than a complete failure

  2. Can Suarez repeat Cantona's grand comeback? Can Suarez repeat Cantona's grand comeback?

    The divisive Uruguayan can look to history when he starts against United on Saturday for the first time since receiving an eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra

  3. Key battles: Manchester United v Liverpool Key battles: Manchester United v Liverpool

    The former Reds defender believes that the Uruguayan must put controversy to the back of his mind when his team face the champions

  4. The importance of Champions League qualification The importance of Champions League qualification

    The Ruhr side's remarkable run in Europe's elite tournament saw their revenue unexpectedly soar last season, but some teams are structured to depend on such results to survive

  5. Cartoon: Capello's managerial merry-go-round Cartoon: Capello's managerial merry-go-round

    Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day ...

 
Advertisement
Advertisement