Bologna vs Sampdoria Predictions

• Under 2.5 goals have been scored in five of Bologna’s eight matches this season.
• No Serie A team has been less prolific than Sampdoria this season, with Samp only hitting the net four times in their eight league games.
• Although the visitors have lost four successive games, Bologna may not be worth backing after losing their first two matches under Thiago Motta.

New coaches do battle in Bologna

Sampdoria’s dismal run of four successive defeats – and their failure to win a single Serie A game this season – led to the departure of head coach Marco Giampaolo earlier this week, and former Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic will take charge for the first time at Bologna on Saturday. The hosts made their own managerial change last month, and have lost both of their games under Thiago Motta, so these two strugglers may produce a cagey affair.

Bologna followed up a 1-0 loss to Empoli with a 3-0 thrashing at Juventus last time out, and have won just one of their eight league games this season. Motta took charge following a three-match unbeaten run, but has failed to continue Bologna’s momentum, with a lack of goals a key issue. Indeed, four of their last seven games have contained under 2.5 goals, and Marko Arnautovic has scored six of their seven league goals this campaign – their reliance on the Austrian may cost them.

Sampdoria, meanwhile, have hit the net just four times in Serie A this season, fewer than any other side in the Italian top flight. While Stankovic won three successive league titles with Crvena Zvezda in Serbia, this will be his first taste of management in a top European league. He will face a stern challenge at Samp, who have lost the expected goals (xG) battle in seven of their eight league games this campaign.

Cagey affair anticipated

Given Bologna’s failure to hit the net in two games under Motta and Sampdoria’s dismal recent form, backing under 2.5 goals to be scored appears a prudent play – particularly given the unpredictability which comes with the presence of two new coaches.

Meanwhile, Sampdoria have lost all three of their away games this season, and Bologna may have enough about them to clinch a 1-0 victory.

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