Bologna's top-four hopes dented after Serie A stalemate with spirited Udinese

Bologna’s quest for a second consecutive UEFA Champions League qualification took a hit after they could only draw 0-0 at Udinese, who halted a dismal five-match losing Serie A run thanks to an impressive display.

Unaffected by the absence of their tifosi, who were protesting at league matches being played on weekdays, for the first 15 minutes, Udinese started with vigour, and stand-in striker Keinan Davis rasped against the crossbar inside three minutes.

It wasn’t obvious that the hosts had lost each of their previous five matches as they continued to bomb forward, although Bologna didn’t help themselves with numerous chance-spawning giveaways. Martin Payero was the beneficiary on two occasions, but on neither could he foil the lightning reflexes of Lukasz Skorupski.

A jaded-looking Bologna were clearly feeling the effects of their Coppa Italia win over Empoli in midweek, and took a while to get going. Their best opportunity of the half came when Juan Miranda played in Thijs Dallinga, but the onrushing Maduka Okoye was there to scramble away before the Dutchman could poke it past him.

Udinese, meanwhile, continued to defy their recent form, and it was a wonder they didn’t manage to go in ahead at the break, especially with more chances for Davis going begging.

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With only reigning champions Inter Milan having scored more second-half goals than Bologna this season, one would have expected the Rossoblu to rally following the interval, but a barren spell instead followed.

The sides traded chances from free-kicks, with Payero first whistling wide, before the visitors’ Riccardo Orsolini clattered against the frame of the goal with his 25-yard effort.

Having gone close, Bologna pushed forward during the final stages, but ultimately came up short as Orsolini headed their final chance over from just a couple of yards out.

Kosta Runjaic will be relieved to see his side end their losing streak, although their earlier-season form sees them safe in mid-table.

Meanwhile, Bologna’s run-in is far more consequential, as they now sit a point behind fourth-placed Juventus while also having a first Coppa Italia final in more than 50 years to look forward to.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Martin Payero (Udinese)