It’s a Europa League clash with plenty at stake as Bologna welcome Roma in what promises to be a tactical battle at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Kick-off is set for Thursday at 17:45, where both sides are searching for a result to continue their European campaign. The key storyline? Bologna’s defensive steel meets Roma’s slightly superior form, with both sides lacking a clear attacking talisman but boasting a collective approach that could make for a cagey encounter.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on underlying numbers and recent trends, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in a tight, low-scoring contest given both teams’ defensive records and Bologna’s attacking inefficiency.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roma to Win | 6/4 @ Betfair (40.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Roma have a marginally better win rate (63%) and have won 8 of the last 18 meetings. Bologna’s shot conversion is poor (8.2%) and they’ve underperformed xG by over 6 goals, suggesting Roma’s greater efficiency could tip this. |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 8/11 @ Bet365 (57.9%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Both teams are defensively solid—Bologna concede just 0.7 goals per game, Roma 0.75. Five of their last six head-to-head games have finished under this line, and neither side boasts a top scorer in the league. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Season Form & Standings
These two sides finished just one point apart in the Europa League group stage but had differing fortunes, with Bologna finishing in 10th position and having to face the playoff phase, while Roma qualified for the round of 16 automatically. Bologna were able to overcome Brann in the playoffs, winning 2-0 on aggregate.
Potential Match-Winners
- Simone Negri (Bologna): Averaging nearly 2 shots on target per match, but like the team, needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
- Paulo Dybala (Roma): Even without being a league leader in goals, Dybala’s creativity and movement are central to Roma’s attack, particularly in tight matches.
- Donyell Malen (Roma): Brings directness and pace, often drawing defenders and opening up space for teammates.
- Nicolò Cambiaghi (Bologna): Offers energy on the flanks and is a frequent outlet on the counter, though end product has been limited.
Head-to-head: Last 5 Meetings
Roma have edged the last 18 meetings overall (8 wins to Bologna’s 6), but results between these two have been tight and unpredictable. Here’s how the most recent five clashes have played out:
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 23/08/25 | Roma 1-0 Bologna | Serie A |
| 12/01/25 | Bologna 2-2 Roma | Serie A |
| 10/11/24 | Roma 2-3 Bologna | Serie A |
| 22/04/24 | Roma 1-3 Bologna | Serie A |
| 17/12/23 | Bologna 2-0 Roma | Serie A |
Will Roma’s efficiency trump Bologna’s resilience?
With both sides difficult to break down and neither boasting a prolific attack, this has the makings of a tense affair. Roma’s extra edge in the table and head-to-head record, combined with Bologna’s wasteful finishing, point towards the visitors as a value selection. Will Roma’s clinical edge be decisive, or can Bologna’s defensive solidity deliver another upset? Our verdict is to side with Roma at 6/4 @ Betfair (40.0%) for the away win, with an eye on under 2.5 goals for extra value.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Read more:
- Latest football news
- Football betting tips
- Best betting sites
- Best free bet offers
- Football accumulator tips
