Bologna vs Monza Prediction: Cup specialist Italiano can guide I Rossoblu through

Bologna appear to be settling down under Vincenzo Italiano and can make a winning start to their Coppa Italia campaign against Monza on Tuesday (17:30, Premier Sports Player). I Rossoblu finished fifth last season to qualify for the Champions League but took time to adapt to Italiano's methods. They have managed to collect only one of the 15 points available to them in Europe, but things have improved at home, losing only one of their last 11 and winning four of their last five, most recently beating Venezia 3-0.

Monza, meanwhile, have failed to win any of their last six and are struggling towards the foot of the standings. They may have more pressing priorities and Bologna can take advantage, as outlined in my Bologna vs Monza prediction below.

Team News

Home boss Italiano is likely to rotate, with Thijs Dallinga expected to replace Santiago Castro in attack, while Lewis Ferguson should get more minutes as he continues his comeback from a serious knee injury.

Tommaso Pobega could join him in midfield after missing the win over Venezia due to serving a one-game ban following his red card against Lazio.

Football Odds

Monza can welcome back defender Armando Izzo from suspension, but a thigh injury means captain Matteo Pessina is among those sidelined.

Forward Daniel Maldini was dropped by Alessandro Nesta over the weekend but may be recalled on Tuesday.

Bologna vs Monza Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Bologna vs Monza page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

Bologna are the 8/13 favourites in the match betting, giving the hosts an implied win probability of 61.9%, with the draw 12/5 and Monza 4/1.

The Rossoblu won 2-1 when they visited Lombardy in September, a repeat of which is 7/1, while both fixtures last season finished 0-0, an outcome available to back at 15/2.

To Win to Nil - Bologna @ 6/4

Italiano took time to get his message across to Bologna's players after joining from Fiorentina and overseeing a summer overhaul of the squad, but they were impressive against Venezia and are creeping towards the European spots.

The coach has habitually excelled in cup competitions, twice leading Fiorentina to the Conference League final and the 2023 showpiece of this competition.

Bologna haven't won this tournament since 1974, but the draw means they will have a series of home ties, with Atalanta or Cesena set to visit the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara should they come through Tuesday's test.

Monza have drawn their last two Serie A games but are 19th in the table and may have an eye on next Monday when they host a Udinese side who have won just one of their seven away matches.

They have already overcome Sudtirol and Brescia in this competition but this looks likely to be the end of their run.

Anytime Goalscorer - Thijs Dallinga (BOL) @ 7/4

With Castro Italiano's favoured option as a central striker, Dallinga needs to take his rare chance and could fly on Tuesday.

After two strong seasons at Toulouse, the Dutchman joined in the summer but is still to break his duck for I Rossoblu.

Dallinga needs to start firing and this looks like an opportunity to open his account.

Offers

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