Will Juve lose their ticket to the Champions League?
Luciano Spalletti has transformed the Old Lady since his arrival. Under the 67-year-old, it’s a pleasure to tune in to Bianconeri matches again and hope for a good show. The Juventus vs. Bologna match also promises entertainment, even if that doesn’t necessarily translate into goals.
“La Vecchia Signora” recently extended the Italian head coach’s contract. Understandably so, as under Spalletti, the fourth-place team has become the best in the Italian top flight in many pressing metrics. The home side aims to prove that once again in the Juventus vs. Bologna prediction.
Let’s briefly summarize: Since Spalletti has been calling the shots from the sidelines, Juve has posted top marks in high-ball recoveries (189) and shots following high-ball recoveries (39). Over the entire season, the Italian record champions even boast the third-best expected defensive performance on the field (29.28 xGA). However, the visitors’ form gives us pause when looking at the Juventus vs. Bologna odds.
What stood out most in our research was the massive improvement in the defensive department. Across the league, no other Serie A team has conceded fewer goals than Bologna (6) over the last eight league matches. The home side has also defended anything but poorly recently.
Juve won 1-0 in Bergamo on the last matchday, extending their own unbeaten streak to six matchdays. The Bianconeri have won four of their five previous Serie A matches without conceding a goal. This matchup promises excitement, and the Juventus vs. Bologna betting odds of 2.10 for “Under 2.5 goals” at Betano offer good value.
Juventus – Bologna Head-to-Head Record
It took until the 64th minute for the Old Lady to score the 1-0 winning goal in the first-leg match. Kenan Yildiz delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area following a short corner and found Juan Cabal. The left-back scored the only goal of the day with a header.
The Rossoblu are known for rarely allowing scoring chances against them in the first half. Since February 3, Italiano’s charges have not conceded a goal before halftime. Their 32 percent share of goals conceded in the first half is the joint-lowest figure.
Juventus – Bologna Prediction
Juve loves to keep a clean sheet. This season, the hosts have finished 41 percent of their league matches without conceding a goal. Most recently, the Old Lady won four of five league matches without conceding a goal, further cementing their reputation as a strong defensive team.
Bologna has also defended well in recent matchdays. Away from home, the Rossoblu have been nearly flawless, winning four consecutive away matches (in Serie A). With this streak behind them, Italiano’s side is a dangerous opponent for Juve.
The hosts really can’t afford to drop any points. Sitting in fourth place, the Turin side holds only a two-point lead over Como. If Juve loses fourth place in the standings, they would miss out on the Champions League next season and instead head to the Europa League.
