Bologna FC gears up for a thrilling face-off against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League on September 18, 2024. The match, at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, Italy, marks a significant occasion. This is Bologna’s first time in Europe’s premier club competition, a historic moment for the players and supporters alike.
Excitement fills the air as Bologna steps up to the European stage. Their recent form includes a lively 2-2 draw with Como in the domestic league. Shakhtar Donetsk, seasoned and confident, looks to continue their success after a dominant 5-2 win over Karpaty, showcasing their attacking strength.
In Bologna, players like Riccardo Orsolini and Thijs Dallinga are key. Their creativity and finishing skills will be critical against Shakhtar’s solid defense. Meanwhile, Shakhtar relies on the talents of Oleksandr Zubkov and Danylo Sikan, who aim to lead the team to a memorable victory in Italy.
Bologna enters the match as favorites, with betting odds of 1.84 supporting a win. This reflects not only their home advantage but also a belief in their ability to meet this challenge head-on. However, Shakhtar is familiar with defying expectations and is determined to spoil Bologna’s European debut.
Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction & Betting Tip
- Prediction: Bologna win
- Odds: 1.84
- Suggested Bet: Bologna to win
Bologna seems set to make the most of their home advantage and strong squad depth. Key players are eager to leave their mark, and the team is tipped for a significant win in this debut Champions League match.
| Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Bologna to win | 1.84 |
Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Odds
The betting scene shows strong belief in Bologna. They are favored with odds of 1.84 for victory. A draw has odds of 3.58, suggesting a possible tight game, while Shakhtar’s odds of winning are 4.22, making them underdogs. We can expect an open match, with both teams eager to take charge.
| Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Bologna Win | 1.84 |
| Draw | 3.58 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk Win | 4.22 |
Bologna Team Analysis
Bologna Recent Performance
Bologna’s recent form is a mix of promising and resilient displays. Their last game in Serie A ended in a 2-2 draw against Como, highlighting their strong attack but also their defensive gaps. This draw forms part of a mixed run: 1 win, 1 loss, and 3 draws in their last five matches.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | Como | 2-2 |
| Bologna | Lazio | 1-2 |
| Napoli | Bologna | 3-3 |
| Bologna | Sampdoria | 1-1 |
| Torino | Bologna | 0-0 |
Bologna scores an average of 2.20 goals per match. However, they concede an average of 2.60 goals, showing room for improvement in defense. As they start their Champions League journey, balancing attack with defense will be key.
Bologna Key Players
Riccardo Orsolini leads Bologna’s attack. Known for his speed and technical skills, he’s vital in breaking down defenses. Kacper Urbański, with his youthful energy and creativity, is a key midfield playmaker.
Thijs Dallinga adds versatility and scoring potential, crucial for converting chances. The recent form of Thijs and Samuel Iling-Junior, another young talent who has found the net already, suggests Bologna could be strong in the final third.
In midfield, the absence of Lewis Ferguson due to injury calls for strategic changes. Players like Jens Odgaard remain threats with regular goals. Łukasz Skorupski provides experience and steadiness in goal for Bologna.
Bologna Suspensions & Injuries
Bologna faces several injury concerns that could affect player rotation and strategy.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Ferguson | Injury Concern | TBD |
| Oussama El Azzouzi | Injury Concern | TBD |
| Nicolo Cambiaghi | Injury Concern | TBD |
| Niklas Pyyhtiae | Injury Concern | TBD |
These injuries test the squad’s depth and flexibility, requiring tactical creativity. As players recover, Bologna might need to give younger talent more significant roles to stay competitive.
Bologna Tactics and Formation
Bologna will likely use a wide-play formation, either 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, depending on game conditions. Their tactics focus on possession, controlling the game’s pace through midfield play.
Wingers like Orsolini will be crucial in stretching the play and disrupting Shakhtar’s defense. In the midfield, balancing creativity and strength is vital for countering Shakhtar’s counter-attacks. Coach Vincenzo Italiano is expected to emphasize proactive defense.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team Analysis
Shakhtar Donetsk Recent Performance
Shakhtar Donetsk start this European tie with a strong 5-2 victory over Karpaty, showing off their attacking skills. However, they’ve had mixed results: 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five matches.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Karpaty | Shakhtar | 2-5 |
| Shakhtar | Dynamo | 1-2 |
| Shakhtar | Zorya | 3-0 |
| Metalist | Shakhtar | 0-1 |
| Dnipro | Shakhtar | 2-1 |
The team boasts good scoring, with 9 goals in recent games and a decent goal-scoring rate. While generally strong in defense, with an average of 1.40 goals conceded, they face challenges on foreign turf.
Shakhtar Donetsk Key Players
Oleksandr Zubkov is a standout for Shakhtar, central to their play from midfield. His ability to create plays and spark scoring opportunities makes him essential.
Similarly, Danylo Sikan is an ongoing threat, ready to use his agility and precision to capitalize on defensive gaps. Talents like Yehor Nazaryna are growing, adding depth to a team balanced with experience and fresh promise.
The flair of Kevin adds a dynamic edge, enhancing Shakhtar’s transitions and counter-attacks, crucial for breaking down Bologna’s defense. Shakhtar’s squad benefits from coordination in their domestic league, boosting resilience in international matches.
Shakhtar Donetsk Suspensions & Injuries
Shakhtar’s preparations are smooth, with no major injuries or suspensions, providing stable squad choices and tactical choices.
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| No major injuries or suspensions |
Their adaptability to various conditions reflects strategic planning, crucial for enduring long European campaigns.
Shakhtar Donetsk Tactics and Formation
Shakhtar Donetsk is likely to use a flexible setup, either 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3 formations. Their style relies on solid defense to support quick counter-attacks.
Wing-backs may push forward to aid attacks, with coach Marino Pusic expected to focus on well-drilled set pieces and strategies to exploit weaknesses. Shakhtar’s history on foreign ground marks them prepared for tactical shifts that Bologna must counter.
Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Head-to-Head Statistics
This clash is the first competitive meeting between Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk. It’s an opportunity for both teams to learn about each other’s styles on the international stage.
| First Meeting | No historical data available |
|---|
While Shakhtar brings ample Champions League experience, the lack of direct history offers no direct insights. Instead, expectations are built on recent league performances as the teams get ready for this new context.
Venue and Weather
The match takes place at the historic Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The stadium, with its 38,000 capacity, is set to support Bologna’s European goals. Mid-September in Bologna promises mild and favorable conditions, with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C.
Mild weather is expected to boost player performance, without major disruptions. However, monitoring wind will be crucial as strong gusts might require tactical adjustments regarding ball control and play plans.
The historic venue is expected to energize the hosts, with passionate support crucial in pushing Bologna’s debut European effort. Weather will be pivotal, impacting game play and tactics as the match nears.
In summary, this is set to be a competitive and exciting match, with both teams aiming to showcase their strengths and navigate challenges. The historic backdrop and climate offer a perfect setting for Bologna’s Champions League debut, promising a mix of history and potential.
