JuventusSerie ABologna

A run of five games without either a win or a clean sheet in all competitions has put Massimiliano Allegri under tremendous pressure in Turin, with Juventus already seven points off the pace being set by Serie A leaders Napoli and Atalanta, and on the brink of a humiliating group-stage Champions League exit. A win over Bologna on Sunday is desperately required, but Juventus may not have it all their own way.

Indeed, Juventus’ 1-0 loss to newly promoted Monza before the international break marked a new low in a dire campaign to date. Allegri faced criticism for Juve’s below-par attacking efforts at the start of the season, but their defensive solidity now appears to have deserted them at the worst moment; both teams have netted in five of their last seven games, and they have allowed opponents as many expected goals (8.5 xGA) as they have created themselves (8.5 xG).

Juve needed two red cards to go their way to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Bologna in April, and there is every reason to suggest the visitors may make things awkward once more. Bologna have seen both teams net in five of their last seven games, pushing Lazio in a 2-1 reverse and overcoming Fiorentina by the same score in that time. Bologna have only lost one of their last four matches, and have averaged a goal per game on the road this season.

Given Juventus’ dreadful results and failure to employ a proactive style despite bringing in several high-profile signings this summer, it would take a brave punter to back them at present.

We’re taking both teams to score as our main tip, while a 1-1 draw could represent a decent correct score prediction and Marko Arnautovic – scorer of six of his team’s seven league goals this season – could produce the goods as an anytime scorer selection.