Serie A Preview: AS Roma vs Bologna

April 22, 2024

After securing a place in the Europa League semi-finals, AS Roma will now take on top-five rivals Bologna in the Serie A. The famous Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital will become the theater of a mouth-watering six-pointer for Champions League football.

The Rossoblu won 2-0 over AS Roma at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara earlier this season. They are now bidding to do the double over the Giallorossi for the first time since 1967.

Furthermore, Bologna have also restricted Roma to just one goal in the sides' last five top-flight meetings, and given their recent resilience, not many would bet against the Rossoblu recording three successive clean sheets against their capital-city opponents for the first time in over 50 years.

AS Roma Betting Preview (+130 at Everygame)

The Giallorossi are on a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions (winning four of the games). Roma have lost just one game since their 4-2 home loss to Inter Milan in February.

Now placed fifth in the Serie A table, AS Roma have their sights set on securing Champions League football for the next season. Thanks to Italy's performance in UEFA club competitions this term, even a top-five finish would still suffice for this objective.

AS Roma sit just one point above Atalanta, following the Nerazzurri's 2-1 victory at Monza on Sunday night. Of course, Roma still has a game in hand and will be eager to capitalize on their home match against fellow Champions League hopefuls Bologna.

Moreover, De Rossi's Giallorossi has the chance to clinch a spot in Europe's premier club competition by winning the Europa League title, which seems to be a realistic objective, especially if they manage to beat Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals.

Despite being reduced to 10 men during the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash, Roma overcame AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico, capitalizing on a narrow lead from the first leg of an enthralling all-Italian encounter.

Although the Rossoneri had emerged victorious in both Serie A encounters earlier in the season, the Giallorossi surged ahead 2-0 on aggregate when Gianluca Mancini netted his second goal of the tie (he also scored the winner at San Siro one week earlier), followed by Paulo Dybala's exquisite curling finish to build on their advantage.

Despite Zeki Celik's subsequent red card, Roma sealed a 3-1 victory over both legs, setting up a semi-final showdown with the newly crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen and edging them closer to a third consecutive European final appearance.

Some players have flourished under the guidance of returning icon Daniele De Rossi, who arguably revitalized the club since he succeeded José Mourinho in January and recently agreed to extend his contract beyond the current season.

One of them - Gianluca Mancini, who not only scored crucial goals against AC Milan in the Europa League quarter-finals, was also the scorer of the winning goal in AS Roma's recent Derby della Capitale victory over arch-rivals Lazio.

Mile Svilar should continue in goal for AS Roma, while Rick Karsdorp and Angelino are possible options if De Rossi reshuffles his backline. England veteran Chris Smalling could also make way for Diego Llorente at center-back.

With Romelu Lukaku ruled out from Monday night's showdown, as De Rossi confirmed, Tammy Abraham could make his first start of the season. The England forward was forced to endure a long layoff. Still, he successfully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he sustained on the final day of the last Serie A campaign.

After two cameos against AC Milan and Lazio in the past few weeks, Abraham stayed on the field for over 60 minutes in the second leg against AC Milan, having replaced injured Lukaku midway through the first half. With that said Abraham is expected to lead the attack with Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy either side of him.

Meanwhile, Evan Ndicka was discharged from the hospital after the Ivory Coast defender collapsed on the pitch during Roma's match against Udinese last weekend. Fortunately, all of his tests for heart related issues following the incident came back negative and he might return to action before the end of the season.

Bologna Betting Preview (+245 at Everygame)

Having kept four consecutive clean sheets, which equals the club's best run this century, Bologna travels to face Roma at the Olimpico on Monday night.

Thiago Motta continues to write history at Bologna. He has developed a mid-table outfit into a genuine top-four contender this season. He hopes to see his team in the Champions League’s next campaign even if he does not stay as their manager—Motta has been linked with some major clubs.

Since a comfortable 3-0 victory over rock-bottom Salernitana earlier this month, Bologna has been frustrated by back-to-back goalless draws against Frosinone and Monza. However, the Rossoblu remain one of the Serie A’s trickiest sides, having lost just once in their last 12 games, with the loss coming against champions elect Inter Milan.

Captain Lewis Ferguson suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Monza last Saturday and will also miss Euro 2024.

The Scottish playmaker has been a pivotal figure for Bologna this term, and his absence would test Bologna's tactics. Ferguson had missed only one league game for Bologna this term (due to yellow card accumulation) and it turned out to be a 1-1 home draw with Genoa in January.

Whereas Ferguson begins his long road to recovery, Thiago Motta could pair Michel Aebischer and Giovanni Fabbian in central midfield.

Elsewhere, Alexis Saelemaekers served his one-match suspension, and the Belgian winger will be pushing for a start against Roma. Yet, Motta could switch his formation as he looks to play Joshua Zirkzee upfront as the sole striker.

Possible Starting Lineups of AS Roma and Bologna

AS Roma: Mile Svilar - Angelino, Gianluca Mancini, Diego Llorente, Rick Karsdorp - Lorenzo Pellegrini, Leandro Paredes, Bryan Cristante - Stephan El Shaarawy, Tammy Abraham, Paulo Dybala. (4-3-3)

Bologna: Lukasz Skorupski - Stefan Posch, Jhon Lucumi, Riccardo Calafiori, Victor Kristiansen - Remo Freuler - Riccardo Orsolini, Giovanni Fabbian, Michel Aebischer, Alexis Saelemaekers - Joshua Zirkzee. (4-1-4-1)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

De Rossi's men have had less chance to recuperate following their midweek European exploits, but the Giallorossi should be high on confidence.

AS Roma have been formidable at home in Serie A this season, winning 11 out of 16 matches (the third-best home record in the division), a tally equal to their total wins from the previous campaign.

Bologna, on the other hand, has won just four of its 15 away games this term but has lost only three, with eight draws between them.

Yet, the Giallorossi have displayed resilience under Daniele De Rossi's guidance, often grinding out results rather than solely relying on an attacking approach.

Their dominance extends to meetings with Bologna, where they have remained unbeaten in eight of their last nine home encounters, conceding just six goals. Given this recent track record, Roma are expected to enter the match at the Olimpico as favorites.

Spooky Express Free Play: AS Roma +130 at Everygame for 5/10 Units

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