Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Serie A match.
The headline fixture of Serie A's Matchday 31 takes place on Monday, as Bologna host Napoli. The in-form squad could widen the gap between Napoli and league leaders Inter Milan, although Inter Milan’s recent slip-up might serve as motivation for the visitors.
Bologna
Bologna's excellent form has seen them record six consecutive victories, with the last three wins coming without conceding a goal. In their most recent outing against Venezia (1:0), they allowed just 0.68 xGA. Over the course of the campaign, Bologna have conceded only 15.82 xGA at home — the fourth-best statistic in the league. Last week, the squad had to push themselves in a Coppa Italia clash against Empoli (3:0), so they are unlikely to take unnecessary risks at home against a side still in the title conversation.
Napoli
Since parting ways with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli's attacking output has noticeably declined. They have benefited from a relatively light schedule featuring only Serie A fixtures. After a goalless draw with Venezia, in which they produced 1.54 xG, the former league leaders narrowly defeated AC Milan (2:1), choosing a more conservative approach in the second half with just 0.28 xG and no shots on target. Away from home, Napoli have conceded only 13 goals in 15 matches — the second-best defensive record in the league behind Atalanta BC (11).
Bologna vs Napoli Prediction
Since the start of last season, Bologna and Napoli have faced off three times, with two of those matches finishing with fewer than 2.5 goals, and the “Both Teams to Score — No” bet landing in all three. We believe both teams will show mutual respect at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, making it difficult to carve out clear scoring opportunities.
