Torino will host Bologna in a crucial Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday. Both teams have struggled for form this season and will be looking to secure a victory to boost their chances of survival in the Italian top flight.
Torino are currently in 18th place, just one point above the relegation zone, with only five wins from their 25 league games. Their last outing ended in a 3-0 defeat away to Napoli, and they will be hoping to bounce back with a win in front of their home fans.
Bologna, on the other hand, are two points above Torino in 15th place, with six wins from their 25 matches. They come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Udinese and will be aiming to build on that result with a positive performance on the road.
Torino will be without their top scorer, Andrea Belotti, who is serving a suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the defeat to Napoli. However, they will be boosted by the return of Simone Zaza, who is available for selection after serving a ban.
Bologna, meanwhile, will be without midfielder Jerdy Schouten, who is suspended after being sent off in their draw with Udinese. However, they will be able to call on the likes of Musa Barrow and Rodrigo Palacio, who have been among their most consistent performers this season.
In terms of head-to-head record, Torino have the edge over Bologna, having won 21 of their 48 meetings in Serie A, with Bologna winning 14 and 13 matches ending in draws. However, Bologna won the reverse fixture earlier in the season, with a 1-0 victory at home.
Overall, this promises to be a closely contested game between two teams fighting for survival in Serie A. Torino will be desperate to secure a win in front of their home fans, while Bologna will be hoping to continue their recent good form and pick up some valuable points on the road. It could be a tight game, but ultimately, I predict a 1-1 draw.
