Serie A: Fiorentina and Bologna Aim to Make Noise In 2021

Fiorentina vs Bologna

2020 has been underwhelming for Fiorentina and Bologna, and both of these Serie A clubs are eager to turn the calendar page with a sense of optimism.

So when these two teams meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this Sunday evening, football fans can expect fireworks and intensity from them to kick off 2021.

Normally known as two of the middling clubs in Italian top-flight, Fiorentina and Bologna aren’t far off from each other as far as the standings is concerned.

La Viola and I Rossoblu have only one point separating between them, with the latter holding the slim lead placing 13^th while the former is placed 14^th.

Both have ended 2020 on a decent note by going unbeaten in their last three matches, although Fiorentina hold the edge in recent form.

Cesare Prandelli’s side produced one of the shocking results of the 2020/21 term when they won against Juventus with a convincing 3-0 scoreline.

Meanwhile, Bologna did decent too when they held Atalanta to a 2-2 draw in the last time out.

So who will draw first blood in 2021? SBOTOP examines these two proud clubs with this match preview.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

Serie A

Talking Points

Can Fiorentina sustain their momentum?

The big question coming into the new year for La Viola is whether they can finally string together a great stretch of Serie A 2021 results.

This is because after mounting a surprising run late in the last term, Fiorentina have yet to build off of that so far with Cesare Prandelli returning at the coaching helm.

La Viola have only three wins, five draws, and six losses – which means that they’re not in the race for an Europa League berth while they are safe from the dreaded drop zone as well.

After a lacklustre first few months of the season, Fiorentina have slowly turned the corner with encouraging performances.

They drew level against Genoa, Verona, and a contender in Sassuolo. And then they capped off 2020 with a thumping win over Scudetto favourites Juventus.

Dusan Vlahovic set the tone early for La Viola by scoring within the first three minutes and the defending champions’ woes were compounded when they were reduced to 10 men.

Such performance has been rare and unexpected for Fiorentina and it remains to be seen on whether they can do it once more.

However, Bologna present a much-easier challenge compared to Juventus and I wouldn’t be surprised if they kicked off 2021 with a bang.

Bologna need to tighten up defencively

I Rossoblu’s defencive chops will be tested once more as they face a very confident Fiorentina squad.

To put into context, Bologna are currently the third-worst in Serie A in terms of goals conceded, as they have given up 27 already as of this writing.

After suffering beatdowns against Inter Milan and AS Roma, Bologna have picked it up by recording three straight draws against Spezia, Torino, and Atalanta.

Bologna are one point ahead of Fiorentina in the Serie A table — Bologna’s Emanuel Vignato celebrates scoring following the assist of Roberto Soriano

Although opponent scoring has gone down in those contests, Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men have yet to notch a clean sheet since November.

On the other hand, scoring won’t be an issue for them since they have capable goalscorers.

Roberto Soriano and Musa Barrow have formed a viable attacking partnership as they’ve recorded nine goals and six assists so far this term.

History

Fiorentina and Bologna have already locked horns in 30 matches.

La Viola hold the major edge in the overall head-to-heads with 13 wins, while I Rossoblu won only in four times along with 13 draws.

The last time that these two met was back in July where Fiorentina annilhilated Bologna with a 4-0 tally.

Federico Chiesa was simply unstoppable in that match as he scored a hat-trick. However, he won’t be around for Fiorentina since he is currently on loan playing for Juventus.

Prior to that fixture, Fiorentina and Bologna had three straight low-scoring draws.

Betting Tip

	Fiorentina vs Bologna	Fiorentina Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.87
	January 3, 22:00 (GMT+8)

Since both of these teams look evenly matched on paper, the Serie A 2021 odds point to a close contest.

However, Fiorentina are given the slight advantage since they are priced at 2.16, while Bologna are placed at 3.15 and a draw is at 3.45 in the 1X2 market.

With these two clubs not really known for pouring in the goals, you may also fancy going for Under 2.50 @ 1.67 while Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.34 can be a possible outcome if they have their shooting boots on.

Overall, this looks to be a fun matchup especially since both of them are well-rested during the holiday break.

But I would have to give the edge to Fiorentina given their strong performance in the last time out, and I believe that they can use that momentum to get another win at home.