Bologna vs AS Roma Prediction - UEFA Europa League: A clash of formidable opponents

The clash between Bologna and AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League is not just a battle for qualification, but also a showdown between two teams closely trailing each other in the standings. With only a one-point difference, both understand that a positive result in the match at 00:45 on March 13th will create a major turning point for the season.

A close position in the rankings.

In terms of form and points, the two teams are locked in a fierce race. AS Roma currently sits in 8th place with 16 points, while Bologna is right behind in 10th place with 15 points. Although the difference in ranking isn't large, the two teams' recent performances show contrasting levels of consistency.

Bologna: A strong defensive foundation.

Bologna, playing at home, are proving to be a formidable opponent, especially when competing at their home ground. In their last 10 matches across all competitions, Bologna have only suffered one defeat. Notably, they have not lost a single home game this season.

Bologna's strength lies in their disciplined defensive system. They concede an average of only 0.7 goals per game, an impressive figure that demonstrates the cohesion of their defenders. While their attacking performance, averaging 1.6 goals per game, isn't exactly explosive, their pragmatism has helped them maintain an unbeaten run in their last five matches (3 wins, 2 draws).

AS Roma: Concerns arising from a wave of injuries.

In contrast to the stability of the home team, AS Roma, under their head coach, is facing its most challenging personnel problem of the season so far. The Giallorossi travel to the away game with a long list of absentees, directly affecting every position.

Roma's attack has been severely depleted as key players like Artem Dovbyk, Paulo Dybala, and Matias Soule are all absent due to groin and knee injuries. Furthermore, defensive leader Gianluca Mancini is also unavailable due to a suspension after receiving a red card. The absence of players from both defense and attack will pose a significant challenge to Roma's coaching staff's ability to rotate their squad.

The head-to-head history favors Bologna.

Statistics from the last five encounters are giving Bologna fans great confidence. The home team has truly been a "nemesis" for AS Roma in recent seasons, winning 3 matches, drawing 1, and losing only 1.

• August 24, 2025: AS Roma 1 - 0 Bologna
• January 13, 2025: Bologna 2 - 2 AS Roma
• November 10, 2024: AS Roma 2 - 3 Bologna
• April 22, 2024: AS Roma 1 - 3 Bologna
• December 18, 2023: Bologna 2 - 0 AS Roma

Bologna's most recent victory against Roma in April 2024, a 3-1 win in Rome, shows they have no fear of this opponent regardless of the venue. With their current form and home advantage, Bologna have a real chance to repeat that impressive result.

Tactical Analysis and Predictions

Based on the current squad situation, Bologna will most likely take control of the game and exploit Roma's defensive personnel shortages to put pressure on them. The absence of Dybala and Dovbyk deprives AS Roma of their most dangerous attacking threats, forcing them to play deeper and wait for counter-attacking opportunities.

With the odds favoring the home team or a draw (Double chance), Bologna holds every advantage to secure points. The match is predicted to be low-scoring (under 2.5 goals) due to the cautious nature of the Europa League knockout round and Bologna's solid defense.

Forecast:Bologna win or draw.

Team lineup updated at 00:15 on March 13, 2026

Official lineup

Bologna

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachVincenzo Italiano

Starting lineup:

• 1. Łukasz Skorupski (G)
• 17. João Mário (D)
• 16. Nicolò Casale (D)
• 26. Jhon Lucumí (D)
• 33. Juan Miranda (D)
• 19. Lewis Ferguson (M)
• 8. Remo Freuler (M)
• 4. Tommaso Pobega (M)
• 10. Federico Bernardeschi (F)
• 9. Santiago Castro (F)
• 11. Jonathan Rowe (F)

Substitutes:

• 13. Federico Ravaglia
• 14. Torbjørn Heggem
• 20. Nadir Zortea
• 22. Charalampos Lykogiannis
• 41. Martin Vitik
• 6. Nikola Moro
• 7. Riccardo Orsolini
• 21. Jens Odgaard
• 30. Benjamín Domínguez
• 23. Simon Sohm
• 28. Nicolò Cambiaghi
• 24. Thijs Dallinga

AS Roma

Diagram: 3-4-1-2

CoachPiero Gasperini Gian

Starting lineup:

• 99. Mile Svilar (G)
• 87. Daniele Ghilardi (D)
• 5. Evan Ndicka (D)
• 19. Zeki Çelik (D)
• 2. Devyne Rensch (M)
• 61. Niccolò Pisilli (M)
• 8. Neil El Aynaoui (M)
• 43. Wesley (M)
• 4. Bryan Cristante (F)
• 14. Donyell Malen (F)
• 97. Bryan Zaragoza (F)

Substitutes:

• 70. Giorgio De Marzi
• 95. Pierluigi Gollini
• 12. Konstantinos Tsimikas
• 22. Mario Hermoso
• 24. Jan Ziółkowski
• 17. Manu Koné
• 7. Lorenzo Pellegrini
• 78. Robinio Vaz
• 92. Stephan El Shaarawy