Fiorentina were terribly unfortunate to pick up just 8 points from first 6 games having played some great football in the process, and this will be an excellent opportunity for Viola to further improve their league position. Bologna, on the other hand, are counting the wounded following a 4-0 victory over Catania, but they are, nonetheless, expected to put up a fight at Artemio Franchi.

Another unlucky result for Viola

While everybody knew that Fiorentina had signed some great players in the summer and that they were bound to show considerable improvement this season, it was believed new boss Vincenzo Montella would need a lot of time to integrate so many new players into the squad. However, the former Roma coach proved why he is regarded as one of the most talented tacticians in world football and got the team playing to their potential in no time. As a result, Fiorentina have played some great football at the start of the league campaign, but they were very unlucky not to have taken more than 8 points, having outplayed their opponents in at least three of the four games they failed to win. Having beaten Udinese and Catania at their Artemio Franchi and completely outclassed mighty Juventus at their home ground, Viola have every right to feel optimistic ahead of the clash with injury-plagued Bologna.

Stefan Savic is set to replace suspended Gonzalo Rodriguez in the starting line-up, but Alberto Aquilani, Francesco Della Rocca and Michele Camporese remain long-term casualties.

Inconsistency the order of the day

Just like their next opponents, Bologna have undergone major changes in the summer, but we cannot really say the team are stronger than last term. Key players Jeab-Francois Gillet, Gaston Ramirez, Marco Di Vaio and Gabi Mudingayi all left, while the new signings, apart from Alberto Gilardino, have yet to show they have what it takes to replace the aforementioned players. Given the numerous changes to the playing squad, nobody was surprised to see Bologna struggle at the start of the season, although they did show some improvement to record a convincing victory over Catania last time out. However, having already lost to Siena and Chievo, while failing to beat Pescara at home, the Felsinei could find it hard to match Fiorentina at their Artemio Franchi, especially with a number of first team regulars missing.

First team regulars Gianluca Curci, Diego Perez and Mikael Antonsson are all unavailable after picking up injuries against Catania. Daniele Portanova is suspended, while second choice keeper Federico Agilardi is injury doubt.

Verdict

Fiorentina have been in fine form at the start of the season, with their showings at Artemio Franchi especially impressive. Bologna arrive to Florence without a number of first team regulars, which is going to severely damage their chances of getting something from this match.

Our prediction: Fiorentina with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.14 (8/7)

Bookmaker: 188BET

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