ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC are both aiming to secure their spots in the semi-finals of Coppa Italia, as they meet for their semi-finals meeting. These two teams are actually having the same run this season, with just one point separating them in the Serie A. Fiorentina qualified for the quarterfinals after defeating Parma in the knockout stage. However, Fiorentina did not have an easy journey going into this round, as they won through penalties. On the other hand, Bologna qualified for the quarterfinals after a 2-1 win against Inter Milan. That 2-1 win brings Bologna in this round, giving them somehow a boost in their confidence. The meeting between these two teams is on January 10, 2023, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
ACF Fiorentina
Fiorentina, the finalists of last year’s Coppa Italia, are aiming to claim the trophy in Rome after a disappointing defeat to Inter in the 2023 decider. The Viola, beaten in the Europa Conference League final, has continued to invest in both competitions this season. They secured progress to the Conference League’s knockout phase and edged out Parma in their first Coppa tie. However, they trailed by two goals in the final 10 minutes, forcing extra time against the Serie B leaders. Fiorentina, who have climbed into Serie A’s top four, were expected to prevail against Sassuolo, but Andrea Pinamonti’s early goal split the sides in Reggio Emilia. Italiano must now focus on his team’s two remaining fixtures before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Supercoppa Italiana.
Fiorentina will be without wingers Nico Gonzalez and Riccardo Sottil due to thigh injuries, long-term absentees Dodo and Gaetano Castrovilli. Christian Kouame is away with Ivory Coast, and M’Bala Nzola vies with Lucas Beltran for front position. Luca Ranieri and Oliver Christensen may join the starting XI.
Bologna FC
Bologna’s recent trip to Stadio Franchi ended in defeat, with Fiorentina’s Nico Gonzalez scoring a second-half spot-kick to leave the Rossoblu empty-handed. This was a rare setback for Thiago Motta’s team, which had surged up the standings with a series of results that took them into Italy’s top four. The club’s fall-off in form included a 3-0 loss to Udinese and a last-gasp draw against Genoa. Despite this, Bologna dominated their visitors and remain unbeaten in their last 10 home matches, winning eight. Their away form is less impressive, with only one win on the road in Serie A. Joshua Zirkzee set up both goals in the second half of extra time, leaving San Siro stunned and setting up this week’s quarter-final tie in Florence. The Rossoblu have a chance to meet either Milan or Atalanta BC in the semis.
Bologna can return Lewis Ferguson, who missed a Serie A suspension, while Jesper Karlsson, Adama Soumaoro, and Dan Ndoye remain injured. Lukasz Skorupski may replace Federico Ravaglia in goal, while Sam Beukema and Alexis Saelemaekers are contenders for promotion. Joshua Zirkzee will start in Florence.
Prediction:
ACF Fiorentina (2.0)
Odds: -0.88
Ready to play?
You may place your bets for the Coppa Italia match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC at Nova88, Asia’s largest and most trusted Online Casino Malaysia. Join and play now!
