Bologna – Napoli: Another Stumble In A Predictable Script (1-1)

After an uncomfortable opening, Napoli grew into the play before a poor second half left us all wondering: how did they land the role of a Scudetto contender?  

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

As the title race heats up, Bologna plays a pivotal role in its destination. Two games at the Renato Dall’Ara in April hosted not only second-placed Napoli but will welcome league leaders Inter towards the end of the month.

Of course, Bologna has their ambitions too. Vincenzo Italiano has managed a successful first season, winning their last five games to break back into the top four. Points are tight around the European places in Serie A, but Bologna has built a crazy amount of momentum going into a difficult run of games. 

Napoli have struggled to find consistency, but have been gifted with a great opportunity. Inter allowed Parma to strike twice, which caused them to draw. A victory in Bologna would cut the distance back to a single point. Winning there is no mean feat (they have still only lost once at home all season in Serie A) but there is little margin for error in the modern title race.

On top of breaking into the top four, Bologna beat Empoli 3-0 in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final. From that game last week, Italiano had scheduled just the single change. Milan loanee Davide Calabria came off injured in that match, so Emil Holm came in at right fullback. However, a late change was made as Lewis Ferguson was replaced by Michel Aebischer.

Antonio Conte was forced into . . .