Bologna vs. Salernitana - Match Preview, Team News, and Predicted Lineups

In the clash set to unfold at the renowned Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna braces to welcome Salernitana on Monday, marking an encounter of starkly contrasting trajectories within this season's Serie A campaign.

The hosts, Bologna, find themselves entrenched in the pursuit of securing a coveted spot in the top four, thereby clinching a berth in the prestigious Champions League for the upcoming season. In stark contrast, Salernitana languishes at the bottom of the league table, facing the daunting specter of relegation with dwindling hopes of survival.

Bologna enters the forthcoming fixture buoyed by a morale-boosting 1-0 triumph over Empoli, courtesy of Giovanni Fabbian's decisive strike in the 94th minute. This notable victory not only bolstered their spirits but also etched a historic milestone as their first-ever Serie A conquest at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Currently perched on 54 points garnered from 29 league encounters, Bologna has already equaled their tally from the entirety of the preceding campaign, securing a commendable ninth-place finish. Under the stewardship of Thiago Motta, aspirations soar high as they set their sights on clinching only their second-ever appearance in the illustrious Champions League, following their solitary stint in the 1964-65 season.

With Roma nipping at their heels, trailing by a mere three points in fifth place, Bologna remains acutely aware of the imperatives of maintaining unwavering consistency. Despite the prospect of Italy potentially securing five Champions League slots in the subsequent season, Bologna remains steadfast in their resolve to secure qualification through intrinsic merit, eschewing reliance on external factors.

In their quest to inch closer to their coveted objective, Bologna anticipates a formidable challenge as they prepare to host a struggling Salernitana side. Notably, Bologna boasts an impressive unbeaten streak against Salernitana in their recent encounters, emerging victorious in two instances and settling for draws in three, thereby crafting a narrative of dominance that underscores their resolve.

A victory in the impending showdown would not only fortify Bologna's position but also mark a significant milestone of securing consecutive triumphs over their visitors, having emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture. However, Bologna remains cognizant of the lurking threat of succumbing to consecutive home defeats for the first time under Motta's tutelage, following their recent setback against Inter.

In stark contrast, Salernitana grapples with the specter of relegation, with their three-year sojourn in the top flight teetering on the brink of culmination. Amidst their struggles to find form, Salernitana finds themselves ensnared at the league's nadir with a meager haul of 14 points, trailing 11 points adrift of safety, thus painting a somber tableau for their survival prospects.

Notably, Salernitana languishes with the ignominy of possessing the worst record in the league, enduring the highest number of defeats (19) juxtaposed against a paltry two victories. Furthermore, their defensive frailties are laid bare as they have conceded the second-highest tally of goals (59), thus amplifying the gravity of their predicament.

Amidst the throes of adversity, Salernitana embarks on a quest for redemption following their recent managerial upheaval, culminating in the appointment of Stefano Colantuono as their helmsman. Marking his third stint with the club, Colantuono endeavors to orchestrate a reversal of fortunes, aiming to engineer Salernitana's maiden away triumph over Bologna, thus charting a new chapter in their storied history.

In their previous four encounters at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Salernitana has endured a succession of defeats, further accentuating the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead. However, Salernitana remains resolute in their pursuit of overturning historical precedents, epitomizing a spirit of resilience that permeates their ranks.

In terms of team news, Bologna grapples with the absence of their talismanic striker, Joshua Zirkzee, sidelined with a hamstring injury, alongside Adama Soumaoro, who remains incapacitated due to an ACL injury, with his return date shrouded in uncertainty. Nonetheless, Dan Ndoye is poised to assume a pivotal role in the attack in light of Zirkzee's absence.

Conversely, Salernitana contends with injury concerns plaguing key personnel, with Grigoris Kastanos and Niccolo Pierozzi sidelined due to a knee injury and muscle injury, respectively. Additionally, Federico Fazio faces a race against time to pass a late fitness test owing to physical discomfort, underscoring the precariousness of their predicament.

As the battleground is set and the protagonists prepare to take center stage, both Bologna and Salernitana are poised to unleash their formidable lineups:

Bologna Possible Starting Lineup:

Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Freuler, Ferguson, Fabbian; Ndoye, Odgaard, Saelemaekers

Salernitana Possible Starting Lineup:

Ochoa; Zanoli, Manolas, Fazio, Bradaric; Basic, Coulibaly, Maggiore; Candreva; Weissman, Tchaouna.

In summation, the forthcoming encounter between Bologna and Salernitana transcends the realms of mere competition, embodying a narrative steeped in aspirations and survival. As both sides lock horns in a battle for supremacy, the stage is set for a captivating spectacle that promises to enthrall aficionados and aficionadas alike.