Analysis of:
Bologna – Naples 09-11-2025
Analysis Information
One last match remains before the international break – an opportunity for the teams to reset, regain strength and adjust their course before the autumn rush. This Sunday we get a real duel between two teams that both have a lot to prove and a lot to play for. Number 1 against number 5 in the table, two teams that score the same number of goals, concede the same number – and both are coming off goalless draws in the biggest European tournaments.
There is no room for compromise here. Three points into the break means not only table position, but also momentum. The only question is: which of them will get that privilege?
Bologna -Building stone by stone
The reigning Coppa Italia champions have started the season strongly. With both a solid position at the top of Serie A and good results in the Europa League, optimism is once again returning among the red and blue from northern Italy.
The last time Bologna lost was on September 25, when Aston Villa were too strong and won 1-0. Since then, the team has gone nine games without a loss - five draws and four wins divided between league and Europe.
From a Norwegian perspective, it is natural to highlight Torbjørn Heggem. The Norwegian center-back has been rock-solid in his performances and contributes greatly to the team's defensive security.
In midweek, Bologna were visited by Brann in the Europa League, a match that had everything. After a good start, the task suddenly became much more difficult when left-back Charalambos Lykogiannis received a straight red card after just 23 minutes. With one man less for 70 minutes, Bologna still held their own and came close to taking all three points, but in the end had to settle for a 0–0 draw and a point split.
Now, however, one of the biggest tests of the season awaits. Away against league leaders Napoli, they will have to deliver at the absolute top level to bring home something. The away field, which just a few days ago was red with Bergen supporters, will now be filled with sky-blue enthusiasm – and once again the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara will be a party arena.
With key players like Santiago Castro in attack, who has been in top form recently, and Riccardo Orsolini, who has perhaps been the team's most consistently good player, Bologna have both individual quality and a strong collective. It is precisely this that enables them to challenge anyone - even the league leaders.
Napoli – The league leader with pressure on his shoulders
Napoli and Bologna have identical goal difference in Serie A: 16 goals scored and 8 conceded – both with a +8 total. The difference is that Napoli have been more efficient in collecting points and thus hold first place after a steady start to the season.
Three rounds ago, Napoli delivered one of the most impressive performances of the season when they beat their perhaps biggest rival Inter 3–1. However, the team has shown unusually large fluctuations in form, especially in the Champions League. There, losses to Manchester City (0–2) and PSV (2–6) have been far below the standard Antonio Conte expects. In midweek, it was another frustrating evening with a 0–0 draw at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, where they dominated but lacked the crucial sharpness in front of goal.
Also in Serie A, it was 0–0 against Como last weekend – a result that again points to a problem Conte must solve: the efficiency in the closing phase.
The injury list explains some of the challenges. Belgian duo Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are still out, and their absence is clearly felt offensively. In addition, first-choice goalkeeper Alex Meret is out with a broken foot, while Leonardo Spinazzola is struggling with a muscle injury.
Nevertheless, Napoli remains one of Italy's most complete teams - with breadth, quality and a winning mentality. Conte will undoubtedly expect a reaction, and there are many indications that we will see a fired-up and revenge-hungry Napoli team on Sunday.
Termination
Both teams must find their way back to winning ways – and to the back of the net. Because, as is well known, you don't win a football match without scoring goals. The match is set to be open and tactical, with two teams that thrive on counterattacks and thrive on catching their opponents off balance.
It could be a game that swings, marked by pace, intensity and narrow margins.
But who will be most effective when the chances come?
We will see an entertaining duel – and a Bologna team that will not be intimidated by the league leader.
Serie A at 15:00: Bologna - Napoli: Both teams score (2.14)
Alternative bets: Over 4.5 corners to Bologna
