- Tactics: Roma’s 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 system features high pressing and attack-minded wing-backs.
- Defence: Bologna defend with a compact 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 unit, press collectively and transition quickly.
- History: This fixture is traditionally close, with Roma having the better of the head-to-head record.
Europa League quarter-final spot at stake in Rome
Match context
With a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Roma and Bologna head into Thursday’s second-leg with everything to play for in a winner-takes-all clash for a place in the 2025-2026 UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
With 51 points from 29 games in Serie A, Roma are well ahead of Bologna in the table, who are in the mid-top half on 42 points and are still in the hunt for European places next term. The head-to-head history is also in favour of the home side, who have faced Bologna over 150 times in all competitions. However, recent meetings have been more evenly matched with two Bologna wins, one Roma win and a draw in their last four meetings.
Tactical outlook
Gian Piero Gasperini has brought an aggressive, high-pressing style to Roma since taking the helm in 2025. His 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 system is designed to overload the half-spaces, with wing-backs providing width and inside forwards providing the cutting edge. The Giallorossi will attack the game from the start, as they always do, with Matías Soulé the creative engine behind Donyell Malen, who leads the team in goals.
Bologna’s counter-attacking power to play a key role
System and approach
Bologna’s 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system, meanwhile, features more defensive patience from the wide players. They build from the wings and look to transition quickly with an intense, man-oriented press and structured possession game. Vincenzo Italiano has done a superb job at the club since his appointment and the cup run that he has engineered, as well as keeping Bologna in the top half of Serie A, is a credit to his system.
Form and key players
Bologna arrive in Rome in good shape with three clean sheets in their last five matches. They beat Brann, Pisa and Sassuolo 1-0 during that run, losing only to Hellas Verona. Lukasz Skorupski has been keeping the balls out while Santiago Castro has emerged as an excellent foil to Riccardo Orsolini, who will cause Roma problems from the right. The duo are joint top scorers in league play for the Rossoblù.
Roma have the edge, but Bologna can make it close
The bookmakers have Roma favourites at around 1.75, which is understandable given they are at home and have the bigger squad. Bologna are available at around 4.65, with the draw at 3.5, so there is some value to be had in the away side to get something from the match.
We’re going with ‘Both teams to score - No’ at 1.77, which looks good given Roma’s attacking options and Bologna’s defensive consistency. We’re taking Roma to come through because of their depth, but don’t be surprised if the match ends in a cagey draw.
- Gasperini’s high defensive line and intense pressing could be open to exploitation by Bologna, who can make life difficult with their compactness, vertical transitions and wide overloads.
- Roma have the firepower to score against anyone, but their recent slip-ups against Genoa and Como could be repeated here.
- Mile Svilar and the centre-back pairing have been a foundation of their recent clean-sheet record, but lapses in concentration have cost them points in recent weeks.
