Europa League Preview: Bologna and Roma Set for Tight First‑Leg Battle

UEFA Europa League  -  Bologna VS AS Roma
Match Time:13-03-2026 01:45 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Bologna host Roma in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The all‑Italian clash sees two teams with contrasting recent forms and ambitions as they battle to be the last Italian club standing in the competition.

Team Analysis
Bologna has built impressive momentum in Europe this season, currently unbeaten in their last nine Europa League matches and aiming to surpass their best European streak since 1967. However, their Serie A form has shown ups and downs — including a 2‑1 defeat to Hellas Verona at the weekend — making consistency a question mark.

Roma arrive with a strong European pedigree under Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously won the Europa League with Atalanta, and the Giallorossi boast a solid continental record with recent victories in the knockout phase. Nonetheless, their recent domestic form has been inconsistent, including a 2‑1 loss away to Genoa prior to this tie.

Player Situation
Bologna could recall defenders Torbjorn Heggem and Juan Miranda to the squad, with experienced midfielder Remo Freuler available following suspension. Creative midfielder Nikola Moro has been influential in chances created, while attackers like Santiago Castro and Federico Bernardeschi will be key to breaking down the visitors.

Roma face several absences: Paulo Dybala (knee), Artem Dovbyk (thigh) and Evan Ferguson (ankle) are sidelined, and Gianluca Mancini is suspended for this first leg. In their absence, Donyell Malen — one of their leading scorers — is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Matias Soule or Bryan Zaragoza.

Result Prediction
This tie is likely to be cagey and tactical, with both teams cautious in the first leg. Bologna’s solid recent European run contrasts with some domestic vulnerabilities, while Roma’s experience in knockout fixtures gives them a psychological edge. A draw appears a sensible outcome as both sides look to avoid defeat before the second leg in Rome.

Predicted Result: Bologna 1‑1 Roma.