Bologna vs Messina Match preview

Italian Serie B: Bologna vs Messina

Bologna had a nightmare afternoon in Toscana… They were demolished in Grosseto and although the first league is still two points away it seems that the play-offs will be most realistic scenario for them. Tifosi were furious about the easy defeat against home side who had no need of points. Actually, they demanded right away from president Cazzolla who was on the stands to replace coach Arrigoni. This didn’t happen, but if Bologna don’t beat unmotivated Messina, Arrigoni could lose his job. Messina are safe in the midtable; they fielded a combined line-up against Spezia and were on the way to lose but the visitors dropped their chance to take the whole lot from San Fillipo. Pressure-free Messina travel at Dal’Ara but their score away is low though they recently won in Avellino. Bologna are still a much better squad, so Sicilians are in for a hard time.

Keep the fate

Arrigoni is not giving up the automatic Serie A promotion. They are playing two out of three last games at home but they also travel to Mantova where Chievo fell on Saturday. Therefore it is not an easy task but if Bologna don’t lift their play to a higher level they can hardly make maximum efficiency. Anyway, they must think about their rivals; Lecce with 77 points are also playing two matches at home and traveling to Messina and they definitely seem better lately. AlbinoLeffe are level on points with Lecce so this means that rossoblu have two problems to worry about. So, Serie is not that close and play-offs seem more realistic.

Mission accomplished

After relegation from the elite, Sicilians had the ambition to stabilize and avoid relegation battle. They succeeded in ding that without problems because the squad were simply strong enough to win most of the home games. They showed a different face away, frightened and clueless. This resulted in only two away wins with only 11 goals. Only Treviso attack was weaker this season,. As we mentioned the ambitions are accomplished but the fans will ask for Serie A promotion next season. Unless Messina don’t' get some back-ups they can hardly satisfy the fans.

Betting Verdict

If Bologna don’t win Messina automatic promotion will be mission impossible for them. Motivation will be crucial and normally Messina can't count on scoring at Dal'Ara, which is an important fact for betting. Actually, Bologna haven’t score a single goal in the last three matches and it is high time for the attackers to start functioning. Odds for a home win are low, but try with a handicap since rossoblu could mark a convincing win.

Team news : Castellini and Mingazzini wont play for Bologna...also Confalone is out. Three experienced players Manitta, Zanchi and D'Avversa are out for Messina.

Our tip: Bet 5 on Home win (European handicap -1)
Odds 1.55 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers