Struggling Bologna need desperately need a win in order to escape the relegation zone, but the match against in-form Inter is hardly a perfect opportunity for the third victory of the season. The Neroazzurrri are currently on a six-match run and have won every single game on the travels this season.

Problems for Bologna

Bologna were always going to have problems repeating what was their best season in recent history, especially after the squad underwent major changes in the summer. Key players Marco Di Vaio, Jean-Francois Gillet, Gabi Mudingayi and Gaston Ramirez all left, although the club did well to sign Alberto Gilardino, Michele Pazienza, Marco Motta and Manolo Gabbiadini, among others. Bologna have recorded some impressive results this term, beating Roma away and trashing Catania at home, but they have been pretty disappointing in all other games, with the 2-1-5 record speaking for itself. The team are very low on confidence following back to back defeats to Fiorentina and Cagliari, but in such a difficult position that they have no choice but to go for a win against Inter. This is, however, a perfect scenario for the Neroazzurri, who are slowly becoming real counterattack specialists.

Archimede Morleo is back after recovering from knee injury, but Roberto Acquafresca, Diego Perez, Gianluca Curci, Cesare Natali, Dejan Stojanovic and Henry Gimenez remain sidelined.

Seven away wins on the bounce

Inter chiefs seem to have made the right decision in giving young Andrea Stramaccioni a chance to oversee a squad rebuilding process, with the talented coach doing really well since taking over the reigns from Claudio Ranieri. The Neroazzurri have coped really well with the hectic schedule and selection problems at the start to the season, even if they have only recently rediscovered their home form. On the other hand, Inter have been absolutely brilliant on the travels this term, winning all seven games, scoring 16 and conceding just one goal in the process. The team appear to be on top of their game at the moment, even if some would say the Neroazzurri didn’t look too impressive in the Europa League win over Partizan. However, the fact is Stramaccioni had fielded a second string side, while most of the players who were on the pitch clearly didn’t give their best with a view to Bologna game. With Inter now at full strength and very motivated to continue the amazing run, away win looks a good option here.

Luca Castellazzi is doubtful, while Wesley Sneijder, McDonald Mariga, Dejan Stankovic, Philippe Coutinho, Joel Obi and Cristian Chivu are out injured.

Verdict

Bologna are all over the place at the moment and go into this game without a number of first team regulars. Inter, on the other hand, are on a six-match winning run and have won all their away games this season. Therefore, away win looks likely, although we are unlikely to see too many goals.

Top pick: Away win   2.20 (6/5) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   1.77 (7/9) @ 188BET

Alternative pick 2: Inter to win to nil   3.60 (13/5) @ Paddy Power