Roma vs Bologna Odds, Game Preview
Key Match in Champions League Race
Roma Coming Off European Triumph
Roma made a European Semifinal for a third straight season as they defeated AC Milan 3-1 in the Europa League Quarter-Final, on aggregate. Now, Roma are chasing a Champions League place in Serie A but trail fourth-placed Bologna by four points. The Giallorossi have a game in hand and can control their own destiny if they’re able to defeat Bologna in Monday’s Serie A clash. Bologna’s defense has been incredibly difficult to break down lately and we’ll check out Roma’s chances to win as we take a look at the Roma vs Bologna odds.
Roma vs Bologna
Date, time:
Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Roma vs Bologna Head-to-Head
None of the last six matches between Roma and Bologna on the Serie A schedule have finished with more than two goals. In fact, five of the last six have finished with one or no goals. In December, Bologna defeated the Giallorossi 2-0 at the Renato Dall’Ara. The pregame Roma vs Bologna odds listed BFC as +145 favorites. Bologna have lost just one of their last five games vs. Roma and have conceded just once during that time. The last time both teams scored in this fixture was back in 2020.
De Rossi Staying at Roma
Last time out in Serie A, Roma’s match at Udinese was suspended in the second half. Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch and he was later confirmed to have suffered a collapsed lung. On Thursday, Roma made a successful return to action, when they defeated AC Milan 2-1 in the second leg in the Europa League Quarter-Final. Gianluca Mancini got on the scoresheet for a third straight match and Paulo Dybala doubled Roma’s lead on a superb curling effort.
However, Romelu Lukaku went off injured in the first half with an injury and bettors should keep tabs on any updates. If he’s not able to play, Tammy Abraham is now fully healthy and Sardar Azmoun is another option up top. In any case, Roma have played incredibly well during Daniel De Rossi’s short tenure and have lost just twice in the last three months. Even as Mehmet Zeki Celik picked up a red card in the first half vs. AC Milan, Roma still found a way to win. De Rossi will stay on as Roma’s coach next season but contract details have not yet been finalized.
Within striking distance of fourth place, the Serie A betting lines price Inter at +150 odds to finish in the top four. They’ve conceded just one goal in their last five completed games, in all competitions and are peaking at the right time. Roma have won four straight at the Stadio Olimpico. This weekend, just Ndicka is out for sure, while Lukaku’s status is more uncertain.
Bologna Struggling to Score
Thiago Motta’s Bologna have failed to score in each of their last two matches in Serie A. That’s certainly not for a lack of chances. Monza’s Michele Di Gregorio made a number of good saves last Saturday and Bologna shot 17 times in the scoreless draw. The weekend before, BFC’s match at Frosinone also finished without a goal and Bologna didn’t convert any of their 13 shots.
Both Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Orsolini have scored 10 times in Serie A for Bologna this season. However, Zirkzee is on a four game goal drought, while Orsolini has scored in just one of his last eight matches. Bologna’s top four hopes also took a hit with the news that attacking midfielder Lewis Ferguson suffered a season ending ACL injury in the match vs. Monza. Ferguson started 31 matches in Serie A this season and registered six goals and three assists.
Alexis Saelemaekers and Dan Ndoye will be expected to step up in his absence. Bologna are still in a solid position, in fourth place in Serie A. Virtually no Serie A predictions had Motta’s men in the hunt for the Champions League but they’ve had one of Serie A’s best defenses this season. They’ve conceded just 25 goals in 32 games and haven’t allowed a goal in any of their last four.
Match Analysis & Odds
Roma have momentum heading into Monday’s match and this is a must win for the Giallorossi. Playing on just two days of rest, they are +135 favorites for this one. Roma pk, -0.5 comes in at +105 odds, while bettors can back Bologna pk, +0.5 at -125. Despite Roma struggling in this fixture recently, they seem to have shifted their mindset, and results, under De Rossi.
The Roma vs Bologna odds also list the visitors as +225 underdogs and even a draw would be a solid result for Bologna. A deadlock displays +210 odds here and it wouldn’t necessarily be the end of Roma’s top four hunt. The Rossoblu have had some difficulties finding the back of the net recently but not creating chances.
Over two goals are priced at -130 odds but Roma’s offense may take a hit if Lukaku is out. Abraham has played just three games since returning from a long term knee injury and is yet to score. Expect this to be a close match which one mistake or moment of brilliance could win. If anyone’s most likely to produce that moment, it’s Roma’s Dybala.
