Bologna host Juventus at the Stadio Dall’Ara in one of the standout fixtures of Serie A’s fifteenth matchday — a crucial head-to-head clash in the race for Champions League qualification.
The Rossoblù currently sit two points ahead of Juventus in the table, making this encounter a pivotal opportunity for the Bianconeri to leapfrog Vincenzo Italiano’s side. When the two teams met last season, both fixtures ended in draws — 1-1 in Bologna and 2-2 in Turin — highlighting just how balanced this rivalry has become.
Bologna will be without Remo Freuler, Martin Vitik, Nicolò Casale and first-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, all sidelined through injury. Italiano is known for frequent squad rotation, and with a busy December schedule, further changes are expected.As a result, Lewis Ferguson, Jens Odgaard and leading scorer Riccardo Orsolini are all likely to return to the starting line-up after featuring only briefly in midweek.
With Dusan Vlahovic sidelined for the next few weeks, either Lois Openda or Jonathan David is expected to lead the line for Juventus on Sunday, although Kenan Yildiz was tested as a false nine in the recent clash with Napoli.
Aside from his goal at the Stadio Maradona, seven of Yildiz’s eight Serie A goal contributions this season have come at home, though he did find the net at the Dall’Ara last term. Alongside the absence of their main striker, Spalletti must also do without Federico Gatti, while fellow defenders Daniele Rugani and Bremer have only just returned from injury. As a result, Teun Koopmeiners is likely to continue in his makeshift role within a fluid back three.
Probable Bologna Line-up (4-2-3-1)
Ravaglia; Holm, Heggem, Lucumì, Miranda; Ferguson, Moro; Cambiaghi, Odgaard, Orsolini; Castro.
Probable Juventus Line-up (3-4-2-1)
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Kelly, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; David.
