Bologna are under pressure to take at least a point as last weekend's goalless tie at Lazio left them 16th in the standings, one point clear of the drop zone.
The major problem seems to be goalscoring, the Rossoblu have only managed 14 goals in 14 matches. Veteran Marco Di Vaio is not as prolific as he was last term, while Marcelo Zalayeta must improve his proficiency in front of goal as witnessed in last week’s 0-0 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Bologna’s form has been erratic this season, but they have fared fairly well in front of their own fans, with recent wins over Siena and Palermo before a loss to league-leaders Inter at the Dall’Ara.
Stephen Appiah’s transfer is finally registered and he possibly could make his Bologna debut on Sunday.
The Ghana star has plenty of Serie A experience with Udinese, Parma, Brescia, and Juventus and the 28-year-old will no doubt add some much needed effort and ingenuity for a team like Bologna, battling against relegation.
Defender Andrea Raggi and veteran midfielder Massimo Mutarelli are in the treatment room. The hardworking Nicola Mingazzini is suspended. The Rossoblu may employ a trident in hopes of hitting Udinese early with Adailton behind former Italian international Marco Di Vaio and Marcelo Zalayeta.
Udinese got back on track with a 2-0 victory against Livorno last weekend that signified the return to form of star Antonio Di Natale, who had a splendid match and will be relied on once again at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
However, the Zebrette have the worrying statistic of being only one of the three teams that have failed to win on the road this season. Pasquale Marino’s men have only picked up two points on their travels in 2009-10.
Udinese will be without Simone Pepe, Christian Obodo, Giovanni Pasquale, Alexis Sanchez, Damiano Ferronetti, and Niki Zimling, all due to injury.
Gaetano D’Agostino and Gokhan Inler will once again pull the strings in midfield with the in-form Di Natale supporting Antonio Flores in attack.
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