Juventus vs Bologna Preview

October 30, 2012 By Gregory Sica

La Vecchia Signora will surely rate their chances of overcoming a sluggish Bologna when the sides meet at the Juventus Arena on Wednesday.

Juventus come into Wednesday's clash with Bologna as the overwhelming favourites as the Italian champions have started off the season from where they left off last season, and confront a Bologna side who languish in 18th position of the 20-team league.

Juve, who lead the standings with 25 points after nine rounds, have won all but one of their games so far, with that game ending in a goalless draw with Fiorentina.

But despite the fact that they continue to be the team to beat this season, Juve haven't impressed in recent outings, and on the weekend barely snatched a 1-0 win over Catania in Sicily.

La Vecchia Signora are well aware that in order to overcome Bologna they will have to be at their very best, because despite the difference between the quality of the squads, the Italian giants haven't had a very good record against the visitors in recent years.

In the last four league meetings between the sides Juve have failed to beat Bologna, with three draws and a defeat. In last season's triumphant campaign, Antonio Conte's side were held to successive draws against Bologna.

Conte is expected to stick with Juve's normal 3-5-2 tactical formation for the game, but could make changes to his starting eleven. It is very likely that Sunday's match-winner Arturo Vidal could be replaced by Claudio Marchisio in the midfield.

Another change could see Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres take the place of Stephan Lichtsteiner, while Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco are expected to replace Mirko Vucinic and Nicklas Bendtner in the attack.

Bologna coach Stefano Pioli is unlikely to make many modifications to his side despite Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Inter. But one change could see Saphir Taider replace Alessandro Diamanti up front.