Bologna vs Cremonese: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
Bologna will host Cremonese on Monday at Stadio Dall’Ara, aiming for a fourth consecutive win in Serie A. The team, currently pushing for a top-four finish, recently showcased their strength by defeating Salzburg 4-0 in the Europa League. This victory boosted their confidence and placed them near the coveted playoff positions.
Bologna’s Recent Form
Bologna’s unbeaten streak spans 12 matches across all competitions, with their last league defeat occurring in mid-September against AC Milan. Since then, they have tallied six wins and three draws in Serie A, remaining just three points from the league summit. Notably, the team has demonstrated depth, with 11 different players scoring in the current season.
- Bologna’s current Serie A standings: 12 matches, 6 wins, 3 draws, 3 points off the top.
- Number of goals from losing positions: 7 (league-high).
- Last league defeat: September against AC Milan.
Cremonese’s Challenge
Cremonese approaches this match with historical disadvantage; they have not won at Dall’Ara in nearly 40 years. Although they have faced Bologna nine times in recent history, seven of those encounters ended in draws. Their last meeting resulted in a painful 5-1 defeat, leading to their drop to Serie B in May 2023.
After being promoted back to Serie A, Cremonese started well, losing only once in their first nine matches. However, they have now suffered three consecutive losses against Juventus, Pisa, and Roma. Their latest match saw them fall 3-1 at home to league leaders Roma, with Francesco Folino scoring a consolation goal.
Current Form of Teams
- Bologna’s recent Serie A form: W D D W W W
- Cremonese’s recent Serie A form: D D W L L L
Team News
Coach Vincenzo Italiano is expected to make changes to the Bologna lineup, with Santiago Castro and Emil Holm among those likely to start. The return of full-backs Lorenzo De Silvestri and Charalampos Lykogiannis will bolster their options, despite injuries to captain Remo Freuler and goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski.
Cremonese will rely on Federico Bonazzoli, their leading scorer with four goals, supported by veteran striker Jamie Vardy. They are dealing with injuries as well, with Mikayil Faye, Faris Moumbagna, and Michele Collocolo doubtful for the match.
Expected Lineups
Bologna
- Goalkeeper: Ravaglia
- Defenders: Holm, Lucumi, Vitik, Lykogiannis
- Midfielders: Ferguson, Moro
- Forwards: Orsolini, Fabbian, Dominguez, Castro
Cremonese
- Goalkeeper: Audero
- Defenders: Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti
- Midfielders: Barbieri, Payero, Bondo, Vandeputte, Pezzella
- Forwards: Bonazzoli, Vardy
As Bologna prepares to face Cremonese, their home form and momentum appear pivotal. With significant squad depth and a strong desire to climb the Serie A standings, Bologna seems poised for victory. However, the historical context adds intrigue to this encounter between two clubs at different stages in their competitive journeys.
