The upcoming Coppa Italia quarter-final features a clash between Bologna and Lazio at Stadio Dall’Ara. Both teams seek to progress in the tournament, with the winner facing Atalanta BC in the next round. Bologna, fresh off a recent victory in this competition, has struggled in Serie A, while Lazio has shown inconsistency.
Bologna’s Recent Struggles
Bologna recently marked the end of a 51-year wait for a trophy by winning the Coppa Italia last season against AC Milan. However, their performance in the current Serie A campaign has dipped. They have only managed six points from their last twelve league matches.
The team’s decline began in December when they faced Parma in the Coppa Italia, securing a narrow 2-1 victory. Their troubles continued in a Serie A match against the same opponents, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat despite a valiant effort—highlighted by Tommaso Pobega’s early red card complicating matters.
Lazio’s Inconsistent Form
Lazio enters this match with hopes of securing their eighth Coppa Italia title. They progressed to the quarter-finals by defeating AC Milan, with Mattia Zaccagni netting the decisive goal in a recent encounter. However, Lazio’s fortunes have fluctuated, reflected in their Serie A standings, where they sit eighth, just three points ahead of Bologna.
In their last league match, Lazio nearly achieved their first league double over Juventus since 1943. They led 2-1 but settled for a dramatic 2-2 draw. Their away record has been concerning, with only three wins on the road from twelve matches and a total of eight goals scored.
Team News and Lineups
Both teams face challenges concerning player availability. Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano is under pressure, facing a busy schedule with upcoming league and Europa League commitments. Key players Torbjorn Heggem, Charalampos Lykogiannis, and Lorenzo De Silvestri are unavailable due to injuries, while several players could be rotated into the starting eleven.
Lazio, managed by Maurizio Sarri, will be without captains like Zaccagni due to injury, alongside Samuel Gigot and Manuel Lazzari. However, left-back Luca Pellegrini returns from suspension. Sarri’s tactical versatility may see Daniel Maldini leading the attack as a false nine, supported by other new signings.
Projected Lineups
| Bologna Starting XI | Lazio Starting XI |
|---|---|
| Ravaglia | Provedel |
| Zortea | Marusic |
| Casale | Gila |
| Lucumi | Romagnoli |
| Miranda | Tavares |
| Freuler | Dele-Bashiru |
| Pobega | Cataldi |
| Orsolini | Taylor |
| Odgaard | Isaksen |
| Cambiaghi | Maldini |
| Castro | Pedro |
Match Prediction
This match presents a crucial opportunity for both teams. Bologna needs to regain confidence, while Lazio aims for consistency. Expectations lean towards a tight contest, with Lazio potentially edging out Bologna based on their squad depth and recent performances.
