Bologna vs. Napoli, Preview: A win for Napoli takes them to the Champions League

Bologna seemed to be on their holidays already at the weekend, going down 6-0 to Lazio with Miroslav Klose netting five of those. This came after a run of five consecutive draws all but sealed the Rossoblu's participation in Serie A next season, lying eight points above Palermo in the final relegation spot with only three matches to play allied to a far better goal difference than anyone below them in the table. Up until their thumping by Lazio, Bologna had enjoyed a relatively successful season, putting together a couple of good runs in November and March after looking at first as if they'd be right in the relegation scrap. Alberto Gilardino has rediscovered his scoring touch away from the limelight with 13 goals and Alessandro Diamanti has once again proven himself to be amongst the best Italy has to offer, cementing his place in the Azzuri setup.

Should they get the victory they require to put themselves in the Champions League group stage for next season, Napoli can consider their season a relative success. Although last season brought a Coppa Italia triumph, this season they have challenged for the Scudetto and although eventually the depth of Juventus showed, Napoli can nevertheless be happy with the Champions League. Speculation over the future of Edinson Cavani didn't appear to have unsettled the Uruguayan as he rattled in a hat-trick against Inter on Saturday night to take his goal tally for the Partenopei to 102 in just three seasons. It seems as if El Matador is on his way out of Napoli but maybe, just maybe, the promise of Champions League football next season may make him think about staying put. Napoli are unbeaten in seven matches whilst Bologna haven't won in the same amount, so the visitors are very much the favourites to go on and reach the promised land of qualification for Europe's elite competition.

Bologna will have to do without Archimede Morleo who is suspended, whilst Nicolo Cherubin is still injured and Diego Perez and Panagiotis Kone are both doubts. Napoli have no such concerns, only long-termer Leandro Rinaudo is out whilst Hugo Campagnaro could make a return.

Out: Gianluca Curci, Nicolo Cherubin (injured); Archimede Morleo (suspended). In doubt: Diego Perez, Panagiotis Kone, Cesare Natali