Author: Steven Moore

Categories
Bologna Fiorentina Serie A

Match Preview: Bologna vs Fiorentina

Match Preview: Bologna vs Fiorentina
2022-23 Serie A - Fiorentina vs Bologna

On 11 September 2022, catch the live broadcast of Bologna vs Fiorentina from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on TLN TV at 8:55A!

Match Insights: Bologna

Since the 1990s, Bologna have won only one match in the first half of the Serie A season against Fiorentina (D8 L12), 3-2 on November 4, 2001, under Francesco Guidolin.

Bologna have failed to win each of their first five Serie A seasonal matches for the first time since 2013/14, when they also lost the sixth one: only three times in the competition have they failed to win in the first six: 1976/77, 1997/98 and 2013/14.

Bologna have drawn their last two Serie A home matches, against Verona and Salernitana and they could draw three such games in a row for the first time since March 2016, one of those against Fiorentina.

Match Insights: Fiorentina

Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last 16 Serie A meetings against Bologna (W10 D6), they last had a longer such run against a single opponent between the 1950s and the 1970s (18 v Hellas Verona).

Bologna are the side against which Fiorentina have won the most Serie A matches (56) and against which they have kept the most clean sheets – 57, 12 of those in the most recent 20 games.

Fiorentina have drawn three of their first five Serie A games this season (W1 L1): only three times have they had four draws in the first six seasonal matches in the competition (1941/42, 1980/81 and 2000/01).

Bologna vs Fiorentina: Players to Watch

Marko Arnautovic is the first Bologna player to have scored each of the first five Serie A seasonal goals for the club. Only two players in the history of the competition have scored each of their side’s first six goals at the beginning of a top-flight campaign: Luigi Riva for Cagliari in 1973/74 and Igor Protti for Bari in 1995/96.

Christian Kouamé has scored one goal and delivered one assist in Serie A this season, already equalling his haul of last term (in 33 appearances for Fiorentina) – he last had more in the competition in 2019/20, when between Fiorentina and Genoa, he had six goals and three assists in 18 games played.

Be sure to visit bodog.net for odds on all your favourite sports and be sure to watch this match live on TLN TV at 8:55A!

Categories
Milan Serie A

Olivier Giroud Discusses Milan vs Inter & Rafael Leao

Olivier Giroud Discusses Milan vs Inter & Rafael Leao
Olivier Giroud - Milan - 2022-23 Serie A

Milan attacker Olivier Giroud sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 5 to speak about the Derby della Madonnina between the Rossoneri and Inter, the club’s 2021-22 Scudetto triumph, and Portuguese starlet Rafael Leao.

Derby della Madonnina

A tradition and massive sporting attraction, the fixture between Milan and Inter never fails to disappoint. Giroud played a big part in the success the club experienced in these clashes in the 2021-22 campaign.

“My brace in the derby was a turning point last season. I think that things changed with that win – it drove us to win the Scudetto… The Milan derby is special. Obviously, I’ve played in derbies in London before. There’s perhaps more pressure and tension here…”

2021-22 Scudetto 

Milan secured their 19th Scudetto in the 2021-22 season, finishing atop the table with 86 points; just two above rivals Inter. When a side reaches 20, it is recognized with a second star above their badge, and Milanisti are eager to beat their rivals to achieve this before them.

“In Italy, everything happens so quickly. We’d only just won the 2021/22 Scudetto and fans were asking me when we’d win our 20th…”

Rising Star Rafael Leao

The 23-year-old Leao was the 2021-22 Serie A Player of the Season. The winger joined Milan from Lille in the Summer of 2019 and has since become one of the most exciting players in world football.

“Leao is one of the best youngsters I’ve played alongside. He’s still got time to learn and kick on to the next level, and maybe the level after that, too…”

Categories
Roma Serie A

Andrea Belotti Discusses Roma Transfer & Playing With Paulo Dybala

Andrea Belotti Discusses Roma Transfer & Playing With Paulo Dybala
Andrea Belotti - Roma - 2022-23 Serie A

Roma attacker Andrea Belotti sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 5 to speak about joining Roma, playing with Paulo Dybala, and the club’s supporters.

Roma Transfer

The 28-year-old Italian joined Roma on a free transfer following a seven year spell at Torino. Despite various enticing offers, the striker remained committed to waiting to sign for the club.

“Roma were my priority. I always thought that they’d be the right club for me. They’re a really ambitious club with clear ideas…”

Reunited With Paulo Dybala

Belotti and Dybala spent time with each other many years ago when both were breaking through the ranks at Palermo; in 2015, both moved away from the club to rival clubs in Torino and Juventus, respectively.

“We left Palermo at the same time… It’ll be a huge pleasure to play with him again…”

Giallorossi Supporters

Roma supporters are as excited as ever this season, and the arrival of Belotti – who has been a massive pillar in Serie A – has only taken this passion to the next level.

“Every time I faced Roma and heard the anthem before the match, I was very impressed. I can’t imagine how I’ll feel when I hear it for the first time as a Roma player…”

Categories
Roma Serie A Udinese

Match Preview: Udinese vs Roma

Match Preview: Udinese vs Roma
2022-23 Serie A - Udinese vs Roma - Rodrigo Becao & Paulo Dybala

On 4 September 2022, catch the live broadcast of Udinese vs Roma from the Dacia Arena on TLN TV at 2:30P!

Match Insights: Udinese

Udinese and Roma drew their last league contest (1-1 at Dacia Arena on 13 March); the last time they played out consecutive draws in Serie A was back in 2002.

Udinese have picked up the same number of points as they had last season after their first four Serie A games (seven, with an identical goal difference of zero too).

Match Insights: Roma

Roma are unbeaten in 17 of their last 19 Serie A games against Udinese (W15 D2), keeping 10 clean sheets over this period. They have also won 21 of their 48 away games (D12 L15) against Udinese in Serie A; only against Lazio (25) have they won more often on the road in the competition.

AS Roma have picked up 10 points so far, with three wins and one draw; they could win at least four of their first five matches in two successive campaigns in Serie A for the third time in their history, after 1982-83/1983-84 and in 2013-14/2014-15.

Udinese vs Roma: Players to Watch

Udinese’s Beto has scored in each of his last two Serie A games, against Monza and Fiorentina; he could find the net in three such matches in a row only for the second time, after doing so in October 2021.

Roma’s Paulo Dybala has scored more Serie A goals against Udinese than any other opponent (10); the Friulani are also the side against which he has provided the most assists (7) in the top-flight.

Be sure to visit bodog.net for odds on all your favourite sports and be sure to watch this match live on TLN TV at 2:30P!

Categories
Hellas Verona Sampdoria Serie A

Match Preview: Hellas Verona vs Sampdoria

Match Preview: Hellas Verona vs Sampdoria
2022-23 Serie A - Hellas Verona vs Sampdoria - Davide Faraoni & Jeison Murillo

On 4 September 2022, catch the live broadcast of Hellas Verona vs Sampdoria from the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on TLN TV at 11:55A!

Match Insights: Hellas Verona

Hellas Verona and Sampdoria will face for the fifth time in Serie A in the month of September; so far, the Gialloblù have never won such a meeting (D2 L2), drawing 0-0 tin he only one of such games played at Bentegodi, in 2017.

In each of the last six Serie A campaigns in which they have failed to win each of their opening four matches, Hellas Verona have been relegated at the end of the season (2017/18 most recently).

Hellas Verona have lost each of their last four Serie A home games; in their Italian top-flight history, the Gialloblù have never suffered five defeats in a row at home.

Match Insights: Sampdoria

Sampdoria have only lost one of their last 13 Serie A matches against Hellas Verona, going down 0-2 in October 2019; since then, there have been four wins for Blucerchiati and one draw.

Sampdoria have won three of their last six Serie A away games at Bentegodi against Hellas Verona (D2 L1), this after having only won once in their previous 20 matches on the road against the Veneti in the competition beforehand.

Sampdoria have lost the most Serie A away games in 2022, losing nine of 11 matches on the road in this period. In eight of those outings, the Blucerchiati also failed to score.

Hellas Verona vs Sampdoria: Players to Watch

Verona’s Ivan Ilic (born 2001) is the youngest player to have played each of the available 360 minutes in Serie A this season so far.

Sampdoria’s Manolo Gabbiadini has scored nine of his last 18 Serie A goals in the final 20 minutes of games (including one against Hellas Verona in April 2021), while he has scored three of his last six from the 80th minute onwards.

Be sure to visit bodog.net for odds on all your favourite sports and be sure to watch this match live on TLN TV at 11:55A!

Categories
Bologna Serie A Spezia

Match Preview: Spezia vs Bologna

Match Preview: Spezia vs Bologna
2022-23 Serie A - Spezia vs Bologna - M'Bala Nzola & Gary Medel

On 4 September 2022, catch the live broadcast of Spezia vs Bologna from the Stadio Alberto Picco on TLN TV at 8:55A!

Match Insights: Spezia

Spezia have only won one of their 11 matches in Serie A against opponents from Emilia, a 2-1 victory against Sassuolo in February 2021 (D5 L5).

Spezia had never remained unbeaten in their first two Serie A home matches in a season (W1 D1). Furthermore, they could avoid defeat in three home league matches in a row for the first time since November 2021.

Spezia have received only four yellow cards in Serie A this season, with only Inter picking up fewer (three). They have received a yellow card every 12.3 fouls conceded on average; only Inter have a ‘better’ ratio in Serie A this season.

Match Insights: Bologna

Bologna are unbeaten in each of their four games against Spezia in Serie A (W3 D1); indeed, across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, Spezia are one of just three teams Bologna have played four league games against without losing (alongside Udinese and Sampdoria).

Bologna have won each of their last three matches against Spezia in Serie A; amongst sides currently in the division, only against Sampdoria (7) do Bologna have a longer such ongoing winning run.

Bologna have only won one of their last 12 away games in Serie A (1-0 v Genoa last May), playing out four draws and seven defeats in the process.

Spezia vs Bologna: Players to Watch

Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic has scored three goals in two league appearances against Spezia (a joint-high for him in Serie A, alongside Sampdoria and Salernitana). The Austrian striker has netted seven of his 17 goals in Serie A against Ligurian sides.

Jakub Kiwior has the most clearances (22), headed clearances (8) and completed passes (206) of any Spezia player in Serie A this season.

Be sure to visit bodog.net for odds on all your favourite sports and be sure to watch this match live on TLN TV at 8:55A!

Categories
Serie A Udinese

Isaac Success Discusses Relationship With Udinese Owner Giampaolo Pozzo

Isaac Success Discusses Relationship With Udinese Owner Giampaolo Pozzo
Isaac Success - Udinese

Udinese attacker Isaac Success sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 4 to speak about his relationship with Club Owner Giampaolo Pozzo, his strengths, and new Manager Andrea Sottil.

Relationship With Giampaolo Pozzo 

Giampaolo Pozzo owns Watford in England and formerly owned Spanish club Granada. He unearths and polishes diamonds; Success, who has played at all three of the aforementioned clubs, is one of these players.

“I think by now he should call me a son because I’ve been part of him for years now. Our relationship started up at the U17 African Cup of Nations and that is when I was approached and I loved the project. I’ll always say thank you to him.”

Strengths & Bond With Teammates

The 26-year-old Nigerian attacker arrived at Udinese last season and has since settled in very well.

“My teammates know my strengths, they know how to manage me during the game, and where I can create problems for other teams which I’m happy about. This helps because then I can improve my way to assist them and make it more easy for them to score goals for the team.”

New Manager Andrea Sottil

Udinese celebrated their 50th anniversary of their first Serie A campaign this year, and ownership chose a former Bianconeri defender in Andrea Sottil to be their coach.

“He’s a fighter, I didn’t watch him play but when he speaks to the group, the way he sounds, the way he pushes everyone to give everything until they get to their limit – it is incredible and this is what we really do want in this team.”

Categories
Sampdoria Serie A

Gonzalo Villar Discusses Sampdoria Transfer & Style of Play

Gonzalo Villar Discusses Sampdoria Transfer & Style of Play
Gonzalo Villar - Sampdoria

Sampdoria midfielder Gonzalo Villar sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 4 to speak about his transfer to the club, his strengths and style of play, and his jersey number.

Summer Transfer From Roma to Sampdoria

The 24-year-old Villar joined Sampdoria this summer on loan with an option to buy from the Giallorossi.

“It’s true that I almost came here in January. I’ve always liked this team since coming to Italy and I’m sure now is the right time. As a coach, Giampaolo has helped players like me to improve and develop. That’s one of the main reasons I was keen to come here and only here.”

Strengths & Style of Play

The Spaniard is known for his ability to be the glue between the backline and attackers and thus far, that has been his role with Sampdoria, playing as a central defensive midfielder.

“I’m a player who likes to get on the ball. I like being at the heart of the team and central to the play, helping the team play well and win games. That’s what I’m about.”

Jersey Number

For Villar, his jersey number ties into his love for the beautiful game.

“I picked the number 4 shirt because I like it. It reminds me slightly of an old-school midfielder. It’s a style of football that I used to really like.”

Categories
Monza Serie A

Pablo Mari Discusses His Role at Monza & Italian Football

Pablo Mari Discusses His Role at Monza & Italian Football
Pablo Mari - Monza

Monza defender Pablo Mari sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 4 to speak about what he offers to the club, Italian football, and the long road that lies ahead to remain in the top flight.

Joining Monza

The 28-year-old Pablo Mari joined Monza on loan with an obligation to buy from Arsenal this summer.

“Monza needed a centre-back with leadership who is able to take responsibility when it comes to keeping the team’s shape. While I don’t think I’m better than anyone else I’ve got a better view of the game from the back. I just try to help my teammates with positioning to steady the ship.”

Italian Football & Tactics

This is not the first time in Italy for Pablo Mari – he spent last season on loan at fellow Italian top-flight club Udinese.

“I love the football here. It’s tactical and you need to keep your focus until the final whistle. As a player, I enjoy reading the game and anticipating the opposition. As such, I felt at ease in the four months I spent in Italy with Udinese.”

Altitude Sickness in Serie A

Despite making various changes and signings this season, Monza will have to fight to prove their worth and remain in Serie A.

“We’ve got many new players and we’ve only known each other for two weeks. We’ve obviously got to work hard every day so that we achieve success as quickly as we can; we need to be much more competitive.”

Categories
Atalanta Serie A

Mario Pasalic Discusses His Style of Play at Atalanta & Gasperini

Mario Pasalic Discusses His Style of Play at Atalanta & Gasperini
Mario Pasalic - Atalanta

Atalanta midfielder Mario Pasalic sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 4 to speak about his position, Gian Piero Gasperini, his style of play, and the city of Bergamo.

Versatility & Gian Piero Gasperini

27-year-old Pasalic has been used in various positions throughout his career and specifically at Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini.

“I can play in three or four different positions in a single game. I always adapt straight away to what the coach asks of me. I try to do my best in every role he plays me in and I try to carry out his instructions. He’s a great coach – a genius when you’re talking tactics.”

Style of Play & Goalscoring

The Croatian has made 170 appearances for La Dea, scoring 40 goals and providing 26 assists thus far.

“Goals are in my blood. I have a sense of when to time my runs forward, so I can arrive from deep and threaten the opposition. I’ve scored lots of goals and I hope to keep doing so.”

The City of Bergamo

Known for its medieval atmosphere and culturally rich Italian experiences, it is also the supporters from the city that impress Pasalic.

“Bergamo is a small, beautiful city. The fans too – they’re marvellous. They are always behind us, during the high points in the club’s history, like the last three years, but also in times like last year, which did not go quite as well.”