Serie A Preview: Venezia vs Bologna – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction | OneFootball

Serie A Matchday 30 kicks off on Saturday, March 29, at 3.00 PM CET with a Venezia vs. Bologna matchup at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium. It is set to be a tight contest between two sides who are both enjoying a good form. In the reverse fixture back in November 2024, Bologna collected an easy 3-0 win. However, much has changed since then as both clubs find themselves in a way better position than when they first locked horns.

Match Preview

Venezia

Venezia’s recent performances were encouraging. Eusebio Di Francesco’s Lagunari come from four draws in a row, the last of which against Scudetto contenders Napoli. After spending the first part of the season sitting bottom of the table, Venezia are now second to last, but salvation is only five points away.

With nine games still to go, including six-pointers against other relegation strugglers like Lecce, Monza, Empoli, and Cagliari, there are still plenty of chances for Di Francesco’s squad to maintain their Serie A status.

Bologna

Vincenzo Italiano’s side are going through a magic moment. They notched up four league wins in row, culminating with a 5-0 thumping of Lazio before the international break. Such winning streak put them back in the race for a Champions League spot – which seemed unthinkable early in the season – as they currently sit 4th in the table, one point ahead of Juventus.

However, the Rossoblu cannot allow to lower their guard as their upcoming tests look dreadful. After their trip to Venice, Bologna will travel to Empoli next Tuesday to face the Azzurri in the Coppa Italia Semi Finals, then face Napoli (H), Atalanta (A), and Inter (H) in Serie A.

Among their lines, one should keep an eye on Thijs Dallinga, who is expected to replace Santiago Castro upfront on Saturday, and Riccardo Orsolini. The 28-year-old Italian winger, in particular, was not called up by Luciano Spalletti despite his recent good performances, and will surely be eager to show the Azzurri coach that he was wrong.

Team News

On top of the long-time injured Filip Stankovic and Michael Svoboda, Eusebio Di Francesco cannot count on Mirko Maric, who picked up an ankle injury in the last league game versus Napoli, and Marin Sverko. Hans Nicolussi Caviglia was booked during the match with the Partenopei and will need to serve a one-match ban.

Vincenzo Italiano, on the other hand, has his full roster available, except for Santiago Castro who is also serving a one-match ban. With Castro out, Dutchman Thijs Dallinga will get a chance from the start, leading the Rossoblu‘s front line. He has played intermittently this season due to a recurring groin strain and scored only twice. This is his chance, and he will likely be willing to get the best out of it.

Remo Freuler was forced to leave Switzerland’s camp early due to a flu but should be available and protecting the back line along with Lewis Ferguson.

Italiano has not made up his mind yet about who will be minding Bologna’s posts. As of now, Federico Ravaglia seems to have a few more chances than Lukasz Skorupski.

Venezia vs Bologna Potential Starting Line-ups

Venezia (3-5-2): Radu; Schingtienne, Idzes, Candlè; Zerbin, Ellertson, Kike Perez, Duncan, Zampano; Yeboah, Oristanio

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Calabria, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Dallinga

Venezia vs Bologna Prediction

Bologna might need to preserve some energies ahead of the Coppa Italia Semi Finals. However, this a must win game for the Rossoblu to maintain their Champions League hopes intact, considering that they are likely to drop some points in the upcoming three games.

Venezia’s good momentum, combined with their desperate need to get some points, might help the Lagunari to put up a good fight. We expect the visitors to ultimately prevail, but the trip at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium is not going to be a walk in the park for Italiano and his boys…