Preview: Bologna vs. Napoli

Bologna manager Davide Ballardini will be aiming for his first win as manager of the club as they welcome Napoli on Sunday.

The Rossoblu earned a goalless draw against Lazio last weekend during Ballardini's first game in charge, after a run of one win from eight games cost Stefano Pioli his job.

Despite a decent result at the Stadio Olimpico, Chievo and Sassuolo earned points against the Milan giants to climb above them and leave them 18th in the Serie A table.

Should Bologna lose and Livorno and Catania win, then they could end the weekend at the bottom of the league.

Napoli have been in good form recently and their 3-0 win over Hellas Verona last weekend stretched their run to six games in the league unbeaten.

In midweek, they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia following a 3-1 win over Atalanta BC.

Rafael Benitez's men have one of the best records in the league away from home, having won six of their nine matches. Only league leaders Juventus have fared better, with eight wins from 10 away fixtures.

Alessandro Diamanti has recovered from injury and could be available to start for Bologna, but Mark Cech is ruled out. Napoli have Marek Hamsik available again, but Pepe Reina and Valon Behrami are still out injured.

Recent form

Bologna: DLLWLD

Napoli: WDWDWW

Possible starting lineups

Bologna: Curci, Morleo, Sorensen, Natali, Cherubin, Kone, Perez, Pazienza, Garics, Diamanti, Bianchi

Napoli: Cabral, Maggio, Fernandez, Albiol, Armero, Inler, Dzemaili, Mertens, Insigne, Callejon, Higuain

Sports Mole says: 0-2