Both Napoli and Bologna are adjusting to life under new management and will be desperate to secure their first Serie A win of the season when they clash this Sunday evening. Napoli, fresh off a humiliating 3-0 loss to Hellas Verona, are under intense pressure to turn things around, while Bologna had to settle for a home draw against Udinese in their season opener.
Napoli’s new coach, Antonio Conte, who was brought in to revive the fortunes of last year’s Scudetto winners, is already feeling the heat after a disastrous start. The team has now gone eight league games without a win, a slump that has seen them plummet from champions to mid-table obscurity. Conte’s frustration is compounded by uncertainty surrounding star striker Victor Osimhen’s future and a lack of significant summer signings, though the recent addition of David Neres offers some hope.
Bologna, meanwhile, are also navigating the challenges of a new era under Vincenzo Italiano, who took over after Thiago Motta’s departure to Juventus. The Rossoblu impressed last season, finishing fifth, but have since lost key players to the Premier League. In their first match of the new campaign, Bologna dominated Udinese but failed to capitalize on their chances, settling for a 1-1 draw, with Riccardo Orsolini scoring from the penalty spot.
Team News
For Napoli, the absence of Victor Osimhen from training poses a significant problem, as Romelu Lukaku, Conte’s preferred replacement, has not yet joined the squad. This leaves Giacomo Raspadori, Walid Cheddira, and Giovanni Simeone competing to lead the line. Simeone, though experienced, is in the midst of a severe goal drought, having last scored in Serie A nearly a year ago.
New signings Alessandro Buongiorno and David Neres are likely to start on the bench, with Buongiorno still recovering from an ankle injury and Neres only recently arriving from Benfica.
Bologna’s new frontman, Thijs Dallinga, is expected to battle Santiago Castro for a starting spot, with support from Riccardo Orsolini, who has yet to score or assist against Napoli in 10 previous league appearances. Emil Holm could make his debut, but the Rossoblu will be without Nicolo Cambiaghi, who suffered a serious knee injury, as well as long-term absentee Lewis Ferguson.
Predicted Lineups
Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, Anguissa, Spinazzola; Politano, Kvaratskhelia; Simeone
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Erlic, Miranda; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Fabbian, Ndoye; Castro
Tip: Napoli 0-0 Bologna
Napoli’s struggles under Conte are likely to continue, as the team still seems to be searching for its identity. Bologna, known for being tough to break down, could frustrate the home side, leading to a low-scoring or even scoreless draw.
