Bologna vs Napoli Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

For the Partenopei, a victory keeps their Scudetto dreams alive and kicking, while the hosts’ pursuit of Champions League football adds an intriguing subplot to this top of the table clash. As the Serie A season approaches its climax, our football expert Daniele Fisichella has previewed Bologna vs Napoli. 

Bologna vs Napoli Prediction: A season defining match for both

Italy, Serie A, Monday, April 7th, 19:45 (UK)

Antonio Conte recognizes the importance of clinching three points on Monday to maintain the pressure in the title race. Their recent hard-fought victory against Milan, where a shift to a more attacking formation proved fruitful, showcased Napoli’s adaptable approach, capitalizing on David Neres’ dynamism and offensive prowess.

Once perceived as an unwavering adherent to 3-5-2, Conte has frequently alternated between a three-man and four-man defense. The reintroduction of the 4-3-3, reminiscent of the system that steered the Partenopei to seven consecutive victories earlier this season, has reinvigorated their attacking potential —a quality that could be pivotal on Monday night.

Bologna are equally buoyant. Fourth in the league standings, the Felsinei are on a remarkable run, having secured five consecutive league victories. Their comprehensive 3-0 triumph against Empoli in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg highlights their robust defensive organization and clinical finishing. 

Labeling Bologna a “surprise package” would undermine their methodical progress in the past two seasons and Vincenzo Italiano’s tactical acumen. Yet, their current position as Champions League hopefuls could not have been predicted by many at the season’s outset. 

Top home form and Scudetto pressure

Earlier this season, Napoli secured a decisive 3-0, however, Bologna has evolved considerably since then, and in 2025 have averaged more points per game (2.15 vs 1.92) than the current league’s runners-up. 

The hosts have won their last six games played at the ‘Stadio Renato Dall’Ara’, and based on xG data they’re the best performing team at home ahead of Inter Milan. However Bologna’s last home victory over Napoli dates back nearly six years, in May 2019, when they edged a 3-2 success.

Should Inter emerge victorious on Saturday against Parma, the pressure intensifies for Napoli to secure victory to remain in pursuit of the title. Conversely, a win for Bologna would solidify their grip on a coveted top-four position, bringing them another step closer to consecutive Champions League campaigns. Napoli’s path, post-Bologna, appears less daunting compared to Inter’s, with matches lined up against teams positioned in the lower half of the table. 

Bologna and Napoli rank first and second, respectively, for the fewest shots conceded, averaging less than 10 per game. This defensive solidity is likely why the goal line for this match is set low, at just two goals. However, it’s worth noting that only 12 out of 59 Serie A matches involving these two teams have featured fewer than two goals.

BETSiE Projections: MD 32		HGF	AGF	GD	GT	Home Win %	Draw %	Away Win %
Bologna vs Napoli		0.87	1.06	-0.19	1.94	28.60%	33.1%	38.2%

• Bologna vs Napoli Prediction: Over 2 Goals Asian Line 
• Best Odds: 1.86
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)

Bologna vs Napoli Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:05, April 2nd, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Bologna vs Napoli Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Conte will watch it from the stands

The Salento-born manager was cautioned during the match against Milan and will thus not be on the bench due to a suspension. Spinazzola is likely to recover from the strain he picked up in training last week, as is McTominay. The Scotsman is expected to resume his role in midfield after the flu kept him out against the Rossoneri. There is also optimism regarding Lobotka’s condition, who appeared to be affected by cramps towards the end of the game with AC Milan. 

Castro is unlikely to start on Monday night for Bologna. However Dallinga has recently risen to the occasion, aptly filling in for the injured Argentine, and was pivotal in the victory over Empoli. Riccardo Orsolini is set to continue in the attacking trio. The winger has netted 11 league goals, matching his best Serie A tally. 

Bologna possible starting lineup:
Skorupski; Calabria, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Dallinga.

Napoli possible starting lineup:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Rrahmani, Olivera; McTominay, Anguissa, Lobotka; Neres, Lukaku, Politano.

Match Stats: A record in sight for Italiano’s men

• Against Venezia Bologna notched their fifth consecutive win, a streak they haven’t matched since March 2024 under Thiago Motta, when they won six in a row. 
• The visitors are only the sixth away team for expected points (23.32) in Serie A this season.
• At home Bologna are second for shots taken (average 16.47) and first shots conceded to their opponents (average eight per game). 
• Romelu Lukaku scored his 400th goal, for both club and country, against AC Milan last Sunday. 

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