Bologna and Vincenzo Italiano, after securing a place in the Coppa Italia final for the first time in 51 years, resume their race towards next season’s Champions League qualification with an away match on Monday, April 28, against Udinese, a side with little left to fight for this season. At the Bluenergy Stadium, the hosts coached by Kosta Runjaić, who have been floating mid-table for several weeks now, are at least looking to get back on the scoresheet after losing their last five Serie A games in a row. A challenging task, especially with key players Bijol, Lucca, and Thauvin unavailable, forcing the German manager to once again overhaul his entire attacking lineup for the second straight game. On one side, Udinese aim to end the season on a high note after a relatively positive campaign, while on the other, Bologna are closing in on a historic season, fighting for both Champions League qualification and Coppa Italia glory. Vincenzo Italiano's side had one of their standout moments last Sunday, defeating league leaders Inter thanks to a stunning stoppage-time goal by Riccardo Orsolini. This victory, combined with Juventus' slip-up against Parma, allowed the Rossoblù to momentarily climb to fourth place — an even better result than last year's under Thiago Motta.

Udinese's Recent Form and Key Stats

It’s a rough period for Udinese, who suffered their fifth consecutive Serie A defeat after losing 2-0 to Torino, following previous losses against Verona, Inter, Genoa, and AC Milan. The Friulians, still without starting forwards Thauvin and Lucca, have failed to score in their last three matches and have conceded at least one goal in each of their past six games.

Fortunately for Runjaić, before this poor run, his team had already accumulated 40 points — 23 of them at home — thanks to 7 wins, 2 draws, and 7 defeats. At the Bluenergy Stadium, where they haven’t scored in two straight matches, they lost their last two home games 1-0 to Verona and 4-0 to Milan. However, before that, they had secured three consecutive home wins against Venezia, Empoli, and Parma.

Bologna's Recent Form and Key Stats

Bologna arrive at this clash after two straight victories: against Inter in Serie A and against Empoli in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg. In their last 5 league matches, they have recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat (a 2-0 loss away at Atalanta on April 13). Thanks to the win over Inter, the Rossoblù have climbed to 60 points, firmly in the Champions League race.

Away from home in Serie A, Bologna’s record reads 6 wins, 6 draws, and 4 defeats, with an average of 1.31 goals scored and 1.43 goals conceded per match. They have won 3 of their last 5 away games across all competitions (against Venezia, Verona, and Empoli), while losing to Parma and Atalanta.

Udinese vs Bologna Prediction and Tactical Overview

Udinese, after securing a mid-table finish early, seem to have let their foot off the gas, failing to win since their 1-0 victory over Parma on March 1. Despite showing defensive solidity earlier in the season, the Friulians will be without the suspended Bijol — a key figure alongside Solet at the back.

Offensively, Udinese will once again miss both Lucca and Thauvin, making an already underperforming attack even less threatening. These absences could favor Bologna, who will arrive at the Bluenergy Stadium highly motivated to continue their push for a Champions League spot.

For this Monday Match, Vincenzo Italiano can field his strongest lineup after heavily rotating against Empoli in the Coppa Italia. In attack, Castro will lead the line, supported by Ndoye, Odgaard, and Orsolini — the latter having scored 6 goals in his last 9 appearances.

Considering the difference in motivation and the contrasting form of the two sides, the BetMines algorithm’s prediction for Udinese vs Bologna strongly favors the visitors.

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Udinese vs Bologna Predicted Lineups

Udinese (4-4-2): Okoye; Ehizibue, Kristensen, Solet, Kamara; Atta, Karlstrom, Lovric, Ekkelenkamp; Davis, Iker Bravo. Coach: Runjaic.

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumì, Miranda; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro. Coach: Italiano.