Bologna vs. Roma | Serie A | Pre Match

Bologna and Roma Prepare for New Year Clash at Stadio Dall’Ara

After an extended break, Bologna will play their first game of the new year on Sunday evening as they welcome Roma to Stadio Dall’Ara. Having missed last weekend’s Serie A action due to their scheduled opponents’ participation in the Supercoppa Italiana, Bologna now faces a Roma side riding high after a morale-boosting victory in the Rome derby.

Bologna ended an otherwise impressive 2024 campaign on a disappointing note with a 3-2 home defeat to Hellas Verona in their final match of the year. Reduced to 10 men early in the second half following Tommaso Pobega’s dismissal, the Rossoblu displayed resilience by leveling the score through their rising star, Benjamin Dominguez. However, their determination was undone by Santiago Castro’s late own goal, sealing their fate and denying them a strong finish to the year.

Despite the setback, Bologna’s performance last year showcased a team capable of competing at the highest levels. Having secured Champions League qualification, the Emilian club is within touching distance of Italy’s top four this season, with at least one game in hand on many of their rivals. This positioning underscores their consistency and ability to recover from occasional setbacks, such as the loss to Verona.

Bologna’s Fortress at Stadio Dall’Ara

Bologna’s strength at home has been one of their defining features. The mere 15 minutes they spent trailing to Verona in their last outing marked the only time this season they have been behind at Stadio Dall’Ara in Serie A. Their home turf has become a fortress, and they have not suffered consecutive home defeats in the league since January 2022. Furthermore, whether playing at home or away, Bologna has avoided back-to-back league losses for over two years.

The Rossoblu will be eager to maintain their strong home form and erase the disappointment of their previous match by securing a positive result against Roma. However, they must also contend with their poor record in year-opening fixtures. Since 2016, Bologna has failed to win their first game of the calendar year, recording four draws and four losses, including a defeat to Roma two years ago.

Roma's Struggles Against Bologna

Roma, meanwhile, arrives in Emilia-Romagna burdened by a troubling recent record against Bologna. The Giallorossi have lost their last three encounters with Sunday’s hosts, conceding eight goals while scoring just three. A fourth consecutive defeat would mark an unwelcome historical low, as Roma has not endured such a streak against Bologna since the 1960s.

Despite these challenges, Roma enters the match in high spirits following their derby triumph over Lazio. The rare week of rest, thanks to the Supercoppa schedule, has allowed head coach Claudio Ranieri to prepare his team thoroughly and address any lingering fitness concerns. This newfound momentum, coupled with a full-strength squad, positions Roma as a formidable opponent.

Team News and Tactical Considerations

Bologna’s lineup will require some adjustments due to Tommaso Pobega’s suspension. Either Lewis Ferguson or Nikola Moro is expected to partner with Remo Freuler in central midfield. While long-term absentees Oussama El Azzouzi and Nicolo Cambiaghi have returned to training, they are not yet ready for competitive action, much like Swiss midfielder Michel Aebischer.

The Rossoblu’s attacking efforts will likely center on their top scorer, Santiago Castro, who has been instrumental this season. Italy winger Riccardo Orsolini is another key figure in Bologna’s setup, having directly contributed to six goals in his last eight Serie A appearances. Orsolini’s creativity and ability to exploit space on the flanks will be crucial in breaking down Roma’s defense.

For Roma, the return to form of Paulo Dybala is a significant boost. The Argentine playmaker, nicknamed "La Joya," has rediscovered his spark, contributing to four goals in his last three league games—equaling his output from the previous 19 matches. Dybala’s seven career Serie A goals against Bologna highlight his effectiveness against Sunday’s opponents, making him a player to watch.

In attack, Dybala will likely be partnered by Artem Dovbyk, who has shown flashes of brilliance since joining Roma. With Enzo Le Fee departing on loan to Sunderland, Roma’s midfield is expected to feature Bryan Cristante, who has recovered from an ankle problem, and Zeki Celik, now fully fit after an illness. This continuity in personnel provides Ranieri with the option to stick with the lineup that defeated Lazio, maintaining momentum and cohesion.

Key Battles and Tactical Nuances

The midfield battle will be a critical aspect of Sunday’s clash. Bologna’s engine room, featuring the industrious Freuler and either Ferguson or Moro, will need to assert control and disrupt Roma’s rhythm. Meanwhile, Roma will look to Cristante to anchor their midfield and provide a platform for Dybala’s creativity to flourish.

On the wings, the duel between Bologna’s Orsolini and Roma’s full-backs could prove decisive. Orsolini’s directness and knack for creating scoring opportunities will test Roma’s defensive organization, while the Giallorossi’s wide players will need to balance their defensive duties with supporting the attack.

Up front, the individual brilliance of Dybala could be a game-changer. His ability to find space between the lines and deliver precise passes or lethal finishes makes him a constant threat. Conversely, Bologna’s defense will need to remain vigilant, particularly against Roma’s counterattacks, which could exploit any gaps left by the hosts’ forward forays.

What’s at Stake?

For Bologna, this match represents an opportunity to rebound from their defeat to Verona and reaffirm their credentials as a top-four contender. A victory would not only boost morale but also strengthen their position in the standings as they prepare for a challenging catch-up fixture against Inter Milan later in the week.

For Roma, the stakes are equally high. With European commitments looming, maintaining momentum in the league is crucial for their aspirations of securing a Champions League spot. Overcoming their recent struggles against Bologna would signal their intent and demonstrate their ability to handle difficult challenges away from home.

Predictions and Conclusion

Sunday’s clash at Stadio Dall’Ara promises to be a tightly contested affair. Bologna’s resilience at home and Roma’s recent resurgence set the stage for an intriguing battle between two ambitious sides. While Bologna’s strong home form and Roma’s poor record against them tilt the scales slightly in favor of the hosts, the individual brilliance of Paulo Dybala and the tactical acumen of Claudio Ranieri could swing the result in Roma’s favor.

Ultimately, the outcome may hinge on which team capitalizes on key moments and maintains composure under pressure. Bologna will rely on their defensive organization and the creativity of Orsolini, while Roma will look to Dybala and Dovbyk to deliver the goals needed to secure victory.

In a game of fine margins, a draw seems a likely result, but either side could snatch all three points with a moment of inspiration or a decisive tactical adjustment. As the two teams take to the pitch, fans can expect an entertaining encounter that sets the tone for the rest of their 2025 campaigns.