Serie A Preview: Bologna - Napoli

Bologna had looked doomed for relegation from Serie A to Serie B not so long ago but they are back now hunting for safety with success. At the moment the Felsinei are eight points above the dropzone with 31 points from 26 matches.

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Much of that owes to their sensational 4-3 win against Genoa last weekend, which has given them loads of breathing space. Indeed, one may go as far as to suggest that the Felsinei do not have to worry about relegation anymore.

However, Bologna will be looking to reach the 40-point mark as soon as they can and a home win against Napoli on Sunday afternoon will be hugely helpful in that quest.

Seeking A Win

The last time Napoli won any competitive match was on January 24 when they defeated relegation candidates Livorno 2-0 away from home. Since then the Azzurri have drawn four of their five matches and have lost the other.

At the moment Walter Mazzarri's men are sixth in Serie A with 41 points from 26 matches, level on points with Juventus and two points off Palermo, who are fourth. Napoli do have the team and the quality to get a result against Bologna away but they should be wary of their current form.

A win on Sunday afternoon will potentially put the Neapolitans back into a top four place.

FORM GUIDE

Bologna

February 28 v Genoa (A) - WON 4-3 (Serie A)

February 21 v Juventus (H) - LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

February 14 v Livorno (A) - WON 1-0 (Serie A)

February 7 v Milan (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

January 31 v Chievo (A) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

Napoli

February 28 v Roma (H) - DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

February 21 v Siena (A) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

February 14 v Inter (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

February 7 v Udinese (A) – LOST 3-1 (Serie A)

January 30 v Genoa (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Bologna

Mutarelli, Pisanu, Appiah and Di Vaio are out while Portanova, Britos, Guana, Raggi and Modesto are struggling with injuries.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Viviano, Raggi, Portanova, Moras, Lanna; Busce, Mudingayi, Guana, Modesto; Adailton, Zalayeta

Napoli

Grava and Santacroce are unavailable for the trip to Bologna while Cannavaro is a doubt.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannvaro, Rinaudo; Maggio, Gargano, Pazienza, Aronica; Lavezzi, Hamsik; Quagliarella

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Martins Adailton (Bologna)

The 33-year-old scored a sensational hat-trick against Genoa last weekend that took his tally to eight goals in the league this season. Adailton will again be important for Bologna on Sunday afternoon against Napoli and it will be interesting to see how the Neapolitan defence cope with him.

Marek Hamsik (Napoli)

The Slovakian international midfielder scored against Roma last weekend to salvage a point. Hamsik has looked great this season but only intermittently and has not been very consistent either. However, the Bologna backline should be wary of Hamsik's quality, which could prove to be vital for Napoli in this match.

PREDICTION

Napoli will find Bologna a tough nut to crack especially as the hosts have almost climbed away from relegation worries. But with the quality that they have, the Azzurri should emerge the winner in this clash.

Bologna 1-2 Napoli