On the back of a creditable goalless draw at Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, a new-look Bologna – including fielding a completely different front four compared to in midweek – had the first sight of the game’s opening goal, as one of those fresh additions Benjamin Dominguez saw his effort well saved by David de Gea.
In response, Fiorentina’s in-form top-scorer Moise Kean had an effort ruled out for offside after 19 minutes as the Italian looked to enter a double-digit figure in terms of goals across the Serie A campaign.
However, despite an exciting tempo from the outset, the high-flying visitors, who trailed league leaders Atalanta by six points but still with two matches in hand, including this afternoon’s encounter, had to wait until two minutes before half-time to have their next meaningful effort on goal.
First, Lazio loanee Danilo Cataldi forced Lukasz Skorupski into a fine save and then Kean headed straight at the Bologna goalkeeper from deep inside the area.
Having emerged victorious in three of the last four meetings played in the league, Bologna flew out of the traps at the start of the second half, with Tommaso Pobega testing De Gea’s reflexes with an instinctive effort before Jens Odgaard forced him into a more visibly-impressive outstretched one-handed save.
Nonetheless, the former Manchester United goalkeeper was helpless to prevent Odgaard from breaking the deadlock for Bologna in the 59th minute, as the delighted Dane kept his composure to expertly slot the ball straight into the back of the net.
Emil Holm should have put the game to bed four minutes later, however, the defender showed why he has never scored for Bologna by blazing his glorious chance straight into the back rows of the stands behind De Gea’s goal.
Fiorentina substitute Amir Richardson headed straight at a relieved Skorupski with 10 minutes left of regular time, which ultimately proved to be his side’s last opportunity to salvage a late share of the spoils.
The win extends Bologna's unbeaten record across all competitions to five matches as the Rossoblu head into the penultimate gameweek prior to the Christmas break only three points adrift of sixth-placed Juventus.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina's eight-match winning streak in the league is finally over; however, Raffaele Palladino’s side still remain in fourth.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jens Odgaard (Bologna)