Bologna ended the two-match losing run in the best possible way, beating title contenders Roma at Olimpico and they now have a perfect opportunity to continue the winning streak. Il Felsinei play host to Pescara, a team that have yet to pick up their first points of the season.

Amazing comeback at Olimpico

Bologna largely impressed last season, finishing the league campaign in 9th place, just 10 points behind European places, and the club chiefs made sure the team remain competitive ahead of the new campaign. Important players Gaston Ramirez, Gabi Mudingayi, Jean-Francois Gillet and Marco Di Vaio did leave, but the club signed some very good replacements, such as Alberto Gilardino, Michele Pazienza, Manolo Gabbiadini, Cesare Natali and Marco Motta. The difficult fixture list was to blame for the two opening defeats, but Bologna then managed to bring all three points from Olimpico, proving they can mix it up even with the best of them. Il Felsinei also showed a lot of character, having come from two goals behind to record a 3-2 victory, with Alberto Gilardino and Alessandro Diamanti proving why they are considered one of the best attacking partnerships in the elite division. With weak Pescara now arriving to Renato Dall’Ara, another win looks on the cards.

Apart from back-up defender Daniele Portanova, who is suspended, boss Stefano Pioli has fully fit squad to choose from.

Still no points for the Dolphins

Pescara were thoroughly impressive in Serie B last season, winning the league title in style, but they did it almost entirely thanks to Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti. Seeing that all three players left the club in off-season, the Dolphins were always going to struggle in the Serie A campaign. The club signed quite a few new players in the summer, but they just couldn’t lure high-profile players to Stadio Adriatico and are now paying the price for it. Pescara have now lost all three Serie A games, conceding exactly three goals in each of them, so they clearly cannot be expected to fare much better against in-form Bologna. Even before the season started, the Dolphins were destined for the drop and it appears there will be no surprises as far as they are concerned.

Christian Terlizzi misses out through suspension, while Simone Romagnoli, Togni and Luca Savelloni are out injured. Juan Quintero is doubtful with a bout of flu.

Verdict

Bologna proved their worth by coming from two goals behind to beat Roma at Olimpico and they can now be trusted to see off arguably the weakest side in the league. Pescara are low on confidence after conceding nine goals in first three games and I just don’t see how they are going to get something from Renato Dall’Ara.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: William Hill