In this preview. the Europa League Round of 16 reaches a dramatic conclusion as AS Roma welcome Bologna to the Stadio Olimpico for this all-Italian second-leg clash. Following a tense 1-1 draw at the Renato Dall’Ara last week—where Lorenzo Pellegrini cancelled out Federico Bernardeschi’s opener—the tie is perfectly poised. Roma have historically been a powerhouse in European knockout home games, while Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna have been one of the most resilient stories of the 2025/26 season.
This match preview delves into a tactical battle where home advantage meets high-pressing discipline. Roma are currently navigating a significant injury crisis in their attacking department, making this a test of Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical depth. Bologna, meanwhile, are dealing with a major blow of their own in goal. If you are looking to place a stake on which Italian side will march into the quarter-finals, we recommend using Betano for the most comprehensive markets on this fixture.
Roma vs Bologna Betting Preview
Team Recent Form
Roma: L D L D W
Bologna: W D L W W
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Key Stats
- Olimpico Factor: AS Roma have remained unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 home matches in European knockout stages, winning 9 of those encounters.
- Goalkeeping Crisis: Bologna will be without first-choice keeper Lukasz Skorupski, who suffered a severe hamstring injury against Sassuolo and is expected to be out for up to eight weeks.
- Low Scoring Trend: Three of the last four meetings between these two sides in all competitions have seen fewer than 2.5 goals scored.
Correct Score Prediction
1-0 to Roma. This is likely to be a cagey affair dominated by tactical caution. Roma are missing elite finishers like Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk, which limits their explosive potential, but they welcome back Gianluca Mancini to anchor a defense that excels in low-block situations. Bologna’s reliance on backup keeper Federico Ravaglia may invite Roma to test him early, but the visitors’ defensive structure under Italiano remains elite. A single moment of quality, likely from a set-piece or a Donyell Malen counter-attack, should be enough to send Roma through. You can find high-value odds for a 1-0 scoreline at Betano.
Roma vs Bologna H2H
- First Leg Stalemate: The reverse fixture on March 12, 2026, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Roma scoring a vital away equalizer.
- Recent League Meeting: Roma secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bologna in their most recent Serie A clash at the Olimpico earlier this season (August 2025).
- Bologna’s Edge: In the 2024/25 campaign, Bologna managed to do the double over Roma, including a 3-1 win at the Olimpico.
- Historical Tightness: Across their last 5 head-to-head meetings, both teams have kept two clean sheets each, highlighting how difficult it is for either side to dominate.
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Pre-game Odds
- Roma Win: 1.79
- Draw: 3.40
- Bologna Win: 5.00
For live updates on these injuries, visit Betano.
Team News Roma
Gian Piero Gasperini is facing a massive selection headache with Paulo Dybala (knee), Artem Dovbyk (thigh), and Evan Ferguson (ankle) all ruled out. Matias Soule is also a major doubt with a muscular problem. On the positive side, Gianluca Mancini returns from a suspension that saw him miss the first leg, and Evan Ndicka is expected to return to the heart of the defense. Donyell Malen will be the primary source of goals, having already become the club’s leading scorer since his January arrival.
Team News Bologna
The biggest story for the visitors is the absence of veteran keeper Lukasz Skorupski, leaving Federico Ravaglia to start the biggest game of his season. Left-back Juan Miranda is also unavailable due to a UEFA suspension following his yellow card in the first leg. Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler are fit and will look to control the midfield, while the attacking threat will be led by the clinical Santiago Castro.
Predicted Lineups
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Tsimikas; Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Malen.
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Mario, Casale, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Ferguson, Ndoye; Castro.
Roma vs Bologna Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Roma Win
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: No
Roma’s experience in European “grind-out” wins at home should see them through against a Bologna side missing their most important defensive organizer in goal. To place your bets with a trusted global leader, we recommend Betano.
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