At 2:45 am on August 26th, Napoli will host Bologna, last season’s Serie A dark horse, in the second round of Serie A.
After Conte took over Napoli, the team has strengthened its squad in the summer transfer window, with high ambitions for the season. However, in the first two games of the season, Napoli, with its new coach, players, formation, and tactics, has not yet solved the integration problem and has performed poorly in both matches. In the Coppa Italia match against Serie B side Modena, Napoli narrowly advanced through a penalty shootout. In the first round of the league, they suffered a 0-3 defeat to Verona, highlighting many problems.
In the pre-match press conference, Conte said, “If you get hit, you have to face it bravely. If you fall, you have to get up and fight back,” to motivate the team. This match is a double validation for Napoli. Firstly, the team needs to respond to the criticism and accusations after their poor performances in the first two games. Secondly, last season, Napoli lost 0-2 at home to Bologna, ending their winning streak against this opponent at home, and they also hope to get revenge.
Bologna shocked Europe last season by qualifying for the Champions League as a dark horse. In the summer transfer window, Bologna suffered a significant bloodletting. Coach Motta left for Juventus, key players like Calafiori, Zirkzee, etc. left the team, generating nearly 100 million euros in revenue. The team invited Italiano, a highly-regarded coach in Serie A, to take charge and spent 48.5 million euros to sign nearly 10 new players with some renown. Moreover, they are likely to announce two more deals in the near future, proving that they are not content with “flashing in the pan.” However, the team has recently suffered setbacks, with new signing Cambiaghi and Lewis Ferguson, a key player last season, both suffering cruciate ligament injuries.
In the first round of Serie A, Bologna only drew 1-1 with Udinese at home. This clash against a strong opponent is an opportunity to test their mettle. The players have expressed their determination, saying that the Champions League test is ahead, and playing against Napoli is an opportunity to prove that last season’s success will not end there.
In terms of head-to-head record, in the last 10 encounters, Napoli has the clear advantage with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. In terms of away games, Bologna has a record of 2 wins and 8 losses in the last 10 visits to Napoli.
In terms of personnel, Napoli has a full squad. Pre-match reports suggest that Conte may use Olivera as a surprise left-back, replacing captain Spinazzola. Besides the long-term absentees Cambiaghi, Ferguson, and Azzi, Bologna may also be without winger Holm, central defender Lucumi, and midfielder Urbanski due to physical issues. Their availability for the game is uncertain.
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