Bologna’s hopes of securing back-to-back UEFA Champions League qualifications suffered a setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Udinese, who managed to halt their five-game losing streak in Serie A with a spirited performance.
Despite the absence of their tifosi, protesting against league matches scheduled on weekdays,for the first 15 minutes, Udinese burst out of the blocks with intensity.
Stand-in forward Keinan Davis almost gave them a dream start, rattling the crossbar within three minutes.
You wouldn’t have guessed that the hosts had lost their previous five outings, given the relentless pressure they applied. Bologna didn’t do themselves any favours either, repeatedly conceding possession in dangerous areas.
Martin Payero twice found himself in prime positions, only to be denied by the sharp reactions of Lukasz Skorupski.
Still reeling from the exertions of their Coppa Italia triumph over Empoli earlier in the week, a weary Bologna side took time to settle.
Their clearest opportunity before halftime came when Juan Miranda slipped through Thijs Dallinga, but the alert Maduka Okoye raced off his line to thwart the Dutchman’s attempt.
Udinese, showing none of the frailties that had plagued them recently, could count themselves unlucky not to be leading at the interval, particularly after Davis squandered further chances.
Given Bologna’s reputation — with only champions Inter Milan scoring more second-half goals this season — many expected a stronger showing after the break. Instead, a period devoid of quality followed.
Both sides came closest to breaking the deadlock via set-pieces. Payero sent an effort whistling wide for Udinese, while Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini smashed a 25-yard free-kick against the woodwork.
Sensing an opportunity, Bologna upped the tempo late on. However, they failed to find the breakthrough, with Orsolini heading their final and perhaps best chance over the bar from close range.
Kosta Runjaic will surely be relieved to see his Udinese side bring an end to their losing run, with earlier points amassed in the season ensuring they remain comfortably mid-table.
Meanwhile, the stakes are far higher for Bologna, who now trail fourth-placed Juventus by a single point, though they can also look forward to contesting their first Coppa Italia final in over half a century.
