In this preview, Bologna hosts AS Roma at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this Thursday for an all-Italian first-leg showdown in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. The “Rossoblù” enter the knockout stage following a gritty play-off victory over SK Brann, having built a reputation this season as one of the toughest defensive units to break down at home. Despite a surprising 2-1 slip against Verona over the weekend, Vincenzo Italiano’s men have been remarkably consistent, losing only once in their last nine Europa League outings.
AS Roma, now led by Gian Piero Gasperini, travels north amidst a period of inconsistency. While they finished the league phase strongly to avoid the play-offs, recent domestic results—including a 2-1 defeat to Genoa—have seen them drop out of the Serie A top four. However, with Gasperini’s history of European success, “I Giallorossi” remain a formidable knockout opponent. This match preview centers on a clash of styles: Bologna’s control-oriented pragmatism versus Roma’s high-risk, high-reward tactical fluidity. You can find premium odds for this Italian derby at Betano.
Bologna vs Roma Match Preview
Team Recent Form
Bologna: LWWWW
Roma: LDWDW
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Key Stats
- Defensive Lockdown: Bologna has kept four clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions, conceding an average of just 0.7 goals per game this season.
- Roma’s Road Woes: The capital club is currently on a four-match winless run away from home (D2, L2), struggling to maintain defensive discipline on their travels.
- Low-Scoring Trend: Four of the last five meetings between these two sides in Bologna have produced fewer than 2.5 goals.
Correct Score Prediction
1-1. This match has “cagey affair” written all over it. Bologna is notoriously difficult to beat at the Dall’Ara, but Roma’s tactical experience in Europe often allows them to stay in ties even when not at their best. Given that two of the last four meetings at this venue ended level, and considering Roma’s significant injury list, a score draw is a highly probable outcome. Both sides will likely be content to leave the deciding blow for the second leg at the Olimpico. Secure the best value for a draw at Betano.
Bologna vs Roma H2H
- August Reunion: Roma secured a narrow 1-0 victory in their most recent meeting in August 2025, though Bologna dominated the possession in that fixture.
- Tight Margins: In their last 10 encounters, the record is nearly split: Bologna with 4 wins, Roma with 3, and 3 draws.
- Goal Average: Direct matches between these two average 2.67 goals, though recent trends have dipped significantly below that mark.
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Pre-game Odds
- Bologna Win: 3.05
- Draw: 3.15
- Roma Win: 2.45
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Team News Bologna
Vincenzo Italiano has a relatively stable squad but will be without Juan Miranda (hip flexor) and Torbjørn Heggem (lumbago). The creative spark will depend heavily on Jonathan Rowe, who has scored in his last two outings, and the experienced Federico Bernardeschi on the wing.
Team News Roma
Roma arrives in Bologna decimated by injuries. Paulo Dybala (knee), Artem Dovbyk (hamstring), and Matias Soulé (pubalgia) are all sidelined, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Furthermore, veteran defender Gianluca Mancini is unavailable due to suspension, and Lorenzo Pellegrini remains a significant injury doubt.
Predicted Lineups
Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Zortea, Vitík, Lucumí, João Mário; Moro, Freuler, Ferguson; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Rensch, Ghilardi, Ndicka; Çelik, Cristante, Koné, Tsimikas; Pisilli, Zaragoza; Malen.
Bologna vs Roma Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Draw
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both Team to Score: Yes
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