Liam Duckstein
As we approach this pivotal clash in the Serie A, both Juventus and Bologna find themselves navigating very different waters in the league table. Juventus, sixth in the standings, will host eighth-placed Bologna on December 7, 2024, at 19:00 CEST. Despite their unbeaten record in the league, Juventus seem to be struggling to assert dominance, while Bologna’s recent resurgence has added an edge to this contest.
Juventus: Struggling to Find Consistency Amid Injuries
Juventus’ unbeaten streak this season looks more like a deceptive shield. Six wins and eight draws in 14 matches tell a story of a team that is hard to beat but struggling to claim decisive victories. While their defensive record is impeccable, with just eight goals conceded, the lack of offensive spark has been concerning.
Recent performances highlight this struggle. A lackluster 1-1 draw against 17th-placed Lecce was preceded by a goalless stalemate against Aston Villa. Even their earlier draw with Milan—a team higher up the table—underscored their inability to convert control into goals. Injury woes compound their issues, with Bremer, Milik, and Vlahovic among the notable absentees. Dusan Vlahovic’s public critique of the club’s playing style and subsequent thigh injury have only added to the tension in the camp.
Andrea Cambiaso
Juventus’ predicted lineup suggests a 4-2-3-1 formation with Perin in goal and players like Danilo and Cambiaso offering defensive solidity. Their creative burden will fall on Koopmeiners and Yildiz, with Weah expected to lead the line. But can this patchwork XI find a breakthrough against a buoyant Bologna?
Bologna: Rediscovering Momentum
Bologna’s form has been the opposite of Juventus. While they sit three points behind their opponents, their recent performances have been encouraging. A resounding 4-0 win against Monza and a confident 3-0 victory over Venezia highlight their attacking potential. Even in losses to higher-ranked teams like Lazio and Lille, they showcased flashes of promise.
Key to their resurgence has been the return of Lewis Ferguson and Dan Ndoye, bolstering their midfield and attack. However, injuries to Michel Aebischer, Oussama El Azzouzi, and Nicolo Cambiaghi leave them slightly thin in options. Predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Bologna will rely on Castro’s sharpness upfront and the creativity of Ndoye and Karlsson in the final third.
Tactics and Head-to-Head
Historically, Juventus have dominated this fixture, but Bologna’s current confidence levels and Juventus’ injury-hit squad could turn the tide. Expect Juventus to control possession, leveraging their structured midfield to stifle Bologna’s attacks. Bologna, on the other hand, will look to hit on the counter, exploiting any lapses in Juventus’ defense.
Juventus’ inability to break down teams that defend resolutely—evident in their recent draws—might give Bologna the blueprint to frustrate their hosts. Conversely, Bologna’s high-energy press and attacking intent could test Juventus’ defensive organization.
Betting Odds Analysis
The bookmakers favor Juventus, but the odds reveal a potential value in backing Bologna. Here’s a snapshot:
| Bookmaker | Juventus Win | Draw | Bologna Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22bet | 1.70 | 3.60 | 5.30 |
| 888starz | 1.76 | 3.75 | 5.54 |
| pinnacle | 1.69 | 3.67 | 5.72 |
| bet365 | 1.70 | 3.80 | 5.00 |
| williamhill | 1.70 | 3.60 | 5.50 |
Key Insights and Prediction
This game feels like a classic trap for Juventus. Despite their unbeaten run, their injury troubles and poor form in recent weeks create vulnerabilities that Bologna could exploit. Bologna’s strong attacking displays in their last six games make them a dangerous opponent for any side struggling to find rhythm.
Bologna
The prediction leans slightly in favor of Juventus, given their home advantage and defensive solidity. However, a draw or even a Bologna win cannot be ruled out, particularly if Juventus fail to dictate the tempo early.
For bettors, a safe bet would be on both teams scoring, given Bologna’s attacking flair and Juventus’ occasional lapses at the back. A riskier bet might be backing Bologna on a handicap (+1) or even an outright Bologna win at those enticing odds.