Udinese make the short trip south to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday to face Bologna, where each side will hope to turn around their recent run of form.
The Zebrette started the season off on a high note with an unexpected 1-0 victory over league champions Juventus in Turin but have since failed to build on their impressive start, losing their next four matches and putting coach Stefano Colantuono under pressure.
Coming off the back of a disappointing 3-2 midweek loss to AC Milan, Udinese will be hoping to rediscover their early season form and secure their second win of the season.
Bologna have started in an almost reverse fashion with their first points of the season coming in a week four victory over Serie A newcomers Frosinone. The Rossoblu will also be aiming to turn their fortune around after suffering a 2-0 midweek defeat at the hands of high-flying Fiorentina.
The Bianconeri has had the advantage over the past five head-to-head meetings with the Rossoblu, winning two and drawing three.
Delio Rossi’s outfit will be looking to kickstart their attack which has found the net just twice so far this season. Roma loanee Mattia Destro has yet to make an impact on the scoreline this year and will be partnered up with front with attacking midfielder Franco Brienza.
Udinese will rely on captain and club legend Antonio Di Natale and his strike partner Cyril Théréau to create the opportunities attack to emulate their heroics during the Juventus match. Duvan Zapata has been the most consistent forward this campaign so far for the Zebrette, the Napoli loanee has scored two goals and added an assist to his name in the five matches this season.
Rossi will be without a whole host of players who are unavailable. Emmanuele Giaccherini, Franco Zuchilini, Godfred Donsah and Emil Karafth will all miss out due to injury.
For the Friulian side, Rossi will be without the services of defensive midfielder Guilherme. The Brazilian is recovering from a groin strain and is not expected to return for another week. Trequartista Bruno Fernandes will also miss the upcoming match due to suspension. The 21 year-old Portuguese has featured in all five matches so far this campaign.
Form Guide: Bologna (L-L-L-W-L) Udinese (W-L-L-L-L)
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Mirante; Masina, Oikonomou, Gastaldello, Ferrari; Taider, Diawara, Pulgar; Mounier, Destro, Brienza
Udinese: Karnezis; Wague, Heurtaux, Piris; Adnan, Fernandes, Iturra, Kone, Edenilson; Di Natale, Zapata
Infographics Source: www.sporticos.com
