Opponent: Juventus

Perhaps the toughest of all home games this season is upon Bologna. Juventus will be the opponent at 3 o’ clock tomorrow, and even though they have struggled this season compared to the last few years, they are still a very strong side.

After 16 games, they are currently in 3rd with 38 points. They are only two points behind the leaders Inter, so they are very much in the title race. However, they have struggled this season, as Leonardo Bonucci have left a big hole in the centre of their defence. Despite their struggles they are once again among the favorites to win the league, and as we soon go into the new year, they will definitely be among the teams that challenge for the title.

They have not had many slip-ups this season, but the one’s that have come, came against Lazio and Sampdoria. Lazio and Inzaghi nullified Juventus brilliantly in October in Torino, while Sampdoria won impressively over them in November. Because of this, a lot of people have been thinking that this could be the year that another team finally wins the Scudetto. However, in the last couple of games they’ve beaten Napoli, and drawn against Inter. Juventus are still perhaps the biggest favorite to win the league.

As for what players that have performed well for them this season, Paulo Dybala is the player that have impressed the most. He started the season by scoring in almost every match, and he has 12 goals to his name. While he is currently experiencing a rut in form, he is one of the players that Bologna have to stop if they are to get something out of this one.

Another player that has impressed this season is Miralem Pjanic. The former Roma midfielder has been an integral part in Juventus’ midfield, as he has five assists to his name. Last, but not least, Gonzalo Higuain has continued his fine form from last season, and he has 9 goals thus far.

Juventus have quality players in every position, and to focus on just the three mentioned above is not a good idea for Bologna. If they were to focus on these three players to try to get them out of the game, other players will stand out and decide the game for Juventus. It is therefore essential for Bologna to work together as a team, try to deny Juventus space in the final third, and avoid defensive errors. The away-side will dominate possession, but Bologna will probably get some chances on the counter. If they take advantage of those, then who knows what might happen.

#rossoblù

Photo: Bologna FC