Sunday 23rd October 2011, 7.45pm GMT (live on ESPN)
New Bologna Coach Stefano Pioli got off to a perfect start last week when his side won 2-0 at Novara. Pioli was appointed following the sacking of Pierpaolo Bisoli, who had managed to take just a single point from Bologna’s first five games. Their visitors Lazio have also had to consider the possibility of changing coach this season – Edy Reja offered his resignation after a rocky start – but all is now rosy in the Biancoceleste garden after their dramatic win in the Derby della Capitale last Sunday.
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| Miro Klose, the new "King of Rome" |
One factor which may well have an influence on the outcome of this game is the availability of Lazio striker Miroslav Klose. The German has scored a late winner in both of his side’s last two league games, and as Lazio assistant coach Giovanni Lopez said "he is a reference point in our attack and we missed him on Thursday (Lazio drew 1-1 at Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday)." The in-form striker is struggling with a muscle injury and will face a late fitness test tomorrow. Bologna will have to make do without injured striker Alessandro Diamanti.
It is impossible to over-estimate the value of a derby win for either of the Roman teams, and I expect that last Sunday’s win – their first derby victory since 2009 – will have a galvanising effect on Lazio. Bologna are in the bottom three in Serie A, and I expect a Lazio win tomorrow with or without Klose, but I will be more confident if the in-form striker starts.
Prediction – Lazio to win – 3pts
Match odds: Bologna 12/5
Draw 11/5
Lazio 11/10
