It was a tumultuous away game against Catania. Accusations were made against the match referee that he is a Juventus fan, after his facebook page was found attached with the club’s emblem. It all started when the referee initially allowed Gonzalo Bergessio’s goal to stand for Catania, but overturned it after protests from the Juventus bench.
Juventus play Bologna on Wednesday night and they go into the match with a dark cloud over their heads. Meanwhile, Bologna have not tasted victory since their 4-0 win over Catania in September.
Despite Juventus’s 48 match unbeaten run in the league since last season, they had won just once in the last two years against Bologna. However, Bologna lost their last three league games and are just one place above the relegation zone.
Juventus will be looking to extend their lead at the top and pull six points clear-off Napoli. Antonio Conte’s men will play in their usual 3-5-2 setup and Arturo Vidal is unavailable for selection on Wednesday due to suspension and Marchisio is ruled out due to injury.
Paul Pogba is expected to fill-in for Vidal after an impressive display last Sunday, and Lucio returns to the squad from a fitness problem. Bologna’s attacking midfielder Alassandro Diamanti will be sorely missed for this particular tie because of suspension.
Last season Bologna denied Juventus a 100% home wins record and controlled the proceedings to end the game 1-1. Bologna’s strike pair Gilardino and Gabbiadini are two players to watch on Wednesday. Gilardino scored five goals in seven games so far this season, and Gabbiadini is co-owned by Juventus and he will be looking to open his scoring account in the league.
According to reports from Italy, Juventus have cancelled the pre-match press conference to avoid taking any questions relating to last week’s game.
Brace yourselves for a shock result on Halloween day.
Form guide
Juventus (D W W W W)
Bologna (L W L L L)
Starting XI
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Pogba,Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco
Bologna (probable): Agliardi; Motta, Antonsson, Cherubin, Morleo; Kone,Pazienza, Guarente; Taider; Gabbiadini, Gilardino
Prediction
Result: Juventus 0-1 Bologna
