Bologna v Torino – Preview: Granata look to continue positive streak against struggling Rossoblu
Both sides have accumulated enough points to distance themselves from the relegation zone, although they come into this game on the back of contrasting runs of form.
Giampiero Ventura’s squad have won their last two games 2-1, at home against Atalanta and away at Inter, opening up two point cushion ahead of their weekend opponents.
Bologna meanwhile have not won in their last seven games, with three defeats and four draws since their 1-0 victory at Udinese on Valentine’s Day.
The Rossoblu did emerge from their visit to Roma with a point following a 1-1 draw last Monday, and will be looking to build on that positive result.
Neither side will have too much to play for in Saturday’s clash, but Torino will be aiming to complete the double over Roberto Donadoni’s outfit, having won the reverse fixture 2-0 in Turin.
Andrea Belotti and Giuseppe Vives scored the goals in that meeting, both striking late in the second half to earn the points for the Granata.
The clubs did not meet in the 2014-15 season with Bologna having been relegated in the previous season, but both of the meetings between them in 2013-14 resulted in 2-1 away victories.
Bologna will be without striker Mattia Destro, defender Daniele Gastaldello and French winger Anthony Mounier, and are likely to line up in a 4-4-1-1 with Emanuele Giaccherini behind Sergio Floccari in attack.
The visitors are likely to use their familiar 3-5-2 formation, with Ciro Immobile’s unavailability meaning Andrea Belottti and Maxi Lopez will continue to lead the line for the side.
Form Guide:
Bologna (D-L-L-L-D) Torino (D-L-L-W-W)
Expected Starting XIs:
Bologna (4-4-1-1): Mirante; Masina, Maietta, Rossettini, Mbaye; Rizzo, Brienza, Diawara, Brighi; Giaccherini; Floccari.
Torino (3-5-2): Padelli; Moretti, Glik, Bovo; Molinaro, Obi, Vives, Benassi, Peres; Lopez, Belotti.
Infographic Source: www.sporticos.com