As Roma prepare to host Bologna at the iconic Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, both teams find themselves in challenging positions, seeking vital points in the Serie A standings. With both clubs struggling in recent matches and facing difficulties in European competitions, this encounter holds significant implications for their respective campaigns.
Roma, under the management of Ivan Juric, have experienced a tumultuous start to the season. The Giallorossi have lost three of their last four league matches, a concerning trend that mirrors their struggles in European play, where they have secured just one win from eight attempts across all competitions. Currently sitting 12th in Serie A, Roma’s tally of 13 points is alarmingly low, leaving them closer to the relegation zone than the top four. Juric’s tenure has yielded only four victories in 11 matches since he took over from Daniele De Rossi, intensifying speculation regarding his future at the club.
Last week, Roma suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Hellas Verona after twice fighting back from behind. Additionally, they drew 1-1 with Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League, conceding a late equalizer that further dampened their spirits. If they fail to secure a win against Bologna, it would mark their worst start to a Serie A season after 12 matches in two decades.
In contrast, Bologna has enjoyed a relatively stable season thus far. Despite their recent midweek defeat to Monaco in the Champions League, where they are still searching for their first goal and win, they have managed to maintain a position in the top half of Serie A. After securing two consecutive league victories against Cagliari and Lecce, Bologna currently sit just two points above Roma in the standings. They will be looking to build on their recent successes against Roma, having won their last encounter at Stadio Olimpico 3-1 and completing a league double over them last season.
Team News
For Roma, Juric is expected to make several changes to his starting lineup following the disappointing results. Top scorer Artem Dovbyk is likely to return alongside Paulo Dybala, who has a strong record against Bologna with seven goals in previous encounters. However, injuries continue to plague the squad; Alexis Saelemaekers and Mario Hermoso are sidelined, while Evan Ndicka may return after illness. Bryan Cristante filled in defensively during Ndicka’s absence but could revert to midfield if Ndicka is fit.
Bologna’s coach Vincenzo Italiano faces fewer injury concerns but will need to decide whether to reinstate captain Riccardo Orsolini after he was benched in their last match despite scoring consistently in recent league games. Orsolini’s presence could be pivotal as Bologna aims to exploit any defensive lapses from Roma.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Celik, Kone, Le Fee, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro
Match Prediction
Given both teams’ struggles for consistency and goal-scoring prowess—averaging just over one goal per game—this match could very well end in a stalemate. With Roma appearing disjointed and Bologna often failing to convert chances into goals, a gritty 0-0 draw seems likely as both sides aim for stability ahead of the international break.
Prediction: Roma 0-0 Bolgona
