Following a stalemate in the first leg between AS Roma and Bologna, both teams prepare to head into the second leg, seeking qualification for the quarter-final of the UEFA Europa League at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.
With both sides separated by only nine points in the domestic table and fighting for a top-four finish in Serie A, this clash represents a must-win for both teams, as they push to clinch a trophy this season.
Read on for our Roma vs Bologna predictions and betting tips, and click here to find more betting tips for today.
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AS Roma vs Bologna key stats
- Roma have lost just once at home in their last nine games, turning the Stadio Olimpico into a fortress.
- Bologna are unbeaten in their last five away games across all competitions, demonstrating their solidity on the road.
- Roma have won three of their last six meetings against the visitors when playing at home.
AS Roma vs Bologna preview: Battle for European quarter-final spot
| AS Roma | vs | Bologna |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | Position | 8th |
| 51 | Points | 42 |
| 39 | Goals For | 38 |
| 23 | Goals Against | 34 |
| 12 | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| 5th | Home Rank | 13th |
| 7th | Away Rank | 4th |
Roma and Bologna played out a 1–1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round-of-16 clash, leaving the tie delicately balanced ahead of the decisive second leg in the Italian capital.
Roma may have benefited from skipping the knockout play-off round, but their recent form has been far from convincing. A 2–1 loss to Como on Sunday extended their winless run to four matches.
Donyell Malen has been in strong scoring form for Roma, recording six goals in seven games across all competitions.
With three of those games played away from home, a return to the Stadio Olimpico could be timely, especially as the Giallorossi have suffered just three league defeats there this season.
They are currently on a good run on their home turf, maintaining an unbeaten run in their last five games, with three wins and two draws. This should give confidence as they face a similar Serie A foe.
Bologna, on the other hand, come into this fixture in strong form. Their draw in the first leg extended an impressive unbeaten run in the Europa League to ten matches since their loss to Aston Villa.
They followed that up with a narrow 1–0 victory over Sassuolo on Sunday, marking their sixth win in the last eight matches, with each of their last five victories coming by a single-goal margin.
Bologna have scored just one goal in each of their last seven matches across all competitions.
The Rossoblu have also been particularly effective away from home, winning their last five matches on the road in all competitions.
That form will give Vincenzo Italiano’s side confidence as they aim to reach the quarter-finals of a major European tournament.
AS Roma vs Bologna form guide & betting tips
| AS Roma | vs | Bologna |
|---|---|---|
| W-D-L-D-L | Form | W-W-L-D-W |
| 9 | Goals For | 5 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 3 |
| W-D-D | Europa League form | W-W-D |
Whispers predicts: AS Roma 2-1 Bologna
Roma’s home record remains impressive despite their recent struggles, and the return to the Olimpico should provide a significant boost for them in this second-leg clash.
Bologna’s away form is something to also note ahead of this game, and they will prove very stubborn to defeat. However, we expect a narrow victory for the home side as the most likely outcome as they look to reach another continental quarter-final.
The bookmakers have priced the home side as favourites at 1.72, reflecting their strong home form and the slight advantage of playing in front of their own fans.
A draw after 90 minutes is currently valued at 3.50, while an away victory for the visitors, who are considered the underdogs, is at 5.00 odds.
The odds for over 2.5 goals are set at 2.10 odds, which is a highly probable option given that both teams score often. Both teams to score (yes) is also a strong proposition at 1.95.
Additionally, Donyell Malen, who has been a regular goalscorer since joining the club, has been given 2.25 odds to find the net in this clash.
> Home to win at 1.72 | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 2.10 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score - Yes at 1.95 | Likelihood: Possible
> Donyell Malen to score at 2.25 | Likelihood: Possible