Serie A | Bologna 2-2 Roma: Ice cold Dovbyk with last kick

Roma salvaged a point in dramatic fashion against Bologna, courtesy of a last-kick penalty converted by Artem Dovbyk to secure a 2-2 draw. The match, filled with twists and moments of brilliance, showcased the resilience of the Giallorossi, who had moments of fragility but refused to leave empty-handed. Bologna, meanwhile, will rue the missed opportunity to claim a memorable victory, having turned the game around with two quickfire goals but failing to hold on to their lead in the dying moments.

The build-up to this match carried contrasting narratives. Roma, buoyed by their emphatic 2-0 Derby della Capitale win over Lazio, were looking to maintain their momentum. Lorenzo Pellegrini returned to the starting lineup to provide leadership in Bryan Cristante's absence. Bologna, despite a solid run of form that had seen them gather 10 points from four games before a narrow 3-2 defeat to Verona, entered the contest with their rhythm disrupted. Their last Serie A match was weeks ago, with a fixture against Inter postponed due to the Supercoppa. Bologna’s squad was also depleted, with Tommaso Pobega suspended and several players, including Michel Aebischer and Oussama El Azzouzi, sidelined by long-term injuries.

The game began with intensity as Bologna sought to capitalize on their home advantage. Thijs Dallinga tested Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar early with a fierce drive at the near post, setting the tone for an aggressive start from the hosts. Roma, however, quickly responded, and a battle for control ensued. Artem Dovbyk, on the end of a precise Leandro Paredes pass, was denied a shooting opportunity by a last-ditch tackle from Sam Beukema. The resulting corner saw Paredes unleash a thunderous strike that forced Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski into a sharp save. Dovbyk attempted a header on the follow-up, but Skorupski calmly collected to keep the scores level.

Roma threatened again as Paulo Dybala, despite a tight angle, attempted a curling effort that sailed just over the crossbar. The breakthrough, however, came from Bologna in the 28th minute, with a moment of quality and poignancy. Alexis Saelemaekers, who spent the previous season on loan at Roma, punished his former team. Manu Koné's perfectly weighted ball released the Belgian down the right flank, and Saelemaekers cut inside before delivering a left-footed strike from the edge of the box. The shot, bouncing awkwardly before reaching Skorupski, found its way into the far bottom corner. Saelemaekers, in a show of respect to his former club, refrained from celebrating, raising his hands apologetically toward the Roma supporters.

The lead, however, was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Benjamin Dominguez dispossessed Saelemaekers to initiate a Bologna counter-attack. The move saw Dan Ndoye spread the play to Jens Odgaard, who in turn found Dallinga unmarked. The striker made no mistake, smashing his effort past Svilar at the near post to level the score. The hosts, buoyed by the quick equalizer, continued to pile on the pressure, and Roma’s composure began to unravel.

Bologna capitalized on their momentum and earned a penalty just minutes later. A corner delivery caused chaos in Roma’s defense, and Pellegrini’s ill-advised attempt to challenge Odgaard resulted in a clumsy foul. Referee Fabio Maresca pointed to the spot without hesitation. Lewis Ferguson stepped up and calmly sent Svilar the wrong way, giving Bologna a 2-1 lead. The quick turnaround left Roma stunned, and their struggles to regain composure were evident.

Bologna, now in the ascendancy, continued to threaten. Riccardo Orsolini tested Svilar with a stinging shot, while the Roma goalkeeper was called into action again to tip an Odgaard rocket over the bar. At the other end, Roma struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with Bologna’s defense standing firm. Jhon Lucumi made a crucial block to deny Tommaso Baldanzi, though the Roma forward was later judged to have fouled Remo Freuler in the buildup. The frustration on Roma’s bench was palpable as they entered the closing stages still chasing an equalizer.

As the match entered stoppage time, Roma threw everything forward in a desperate bid to salvage a point. Bologna, content to sit deep and absorb the pressure, seemed on the verge of securing a hard-fought victory. However, the drama was far from over. In the dying moments, a corner delivery from Roma was flicked on by Evan N’Dicka and inadvertently struck the outstretched hand of Lucumi. After a lengthy VAR On-Field Review, the referee awarded Roma a penalty, much to the dismay of Bologna’s players and fans.

The weight of the moment fell on Artem Dovbyk, who stepped up with the game’s final kick. The Ukrainian striker displayed remarkable composure, calmly sweeping the ball past Skorupski to rescue a draw for Roma. The Bologna goalkeeper guessed correctly but was unable to get a hand to the well-placed effort. Dovbyk’s goal sparked wild celebrations among the Roma players and fans, while Bologna were left to ponder what might have been.

The final whistle brought contrasting emotions for the two sides. For Roma, the result felt like a victory given the circumstances. Despite their defensive lapses and struggles in open play, they showed resilience to fight back and snatch a point in the most dramatic fashion. Manager José Mourinho, while undoubtedly frustrated by his team’s inability to hold their early lead, will take heart from their fighting spirit. The Giallorossi remain in the hunt for European qualification and will hope to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures.

For Bologna, the draw felt like a defeat. Having turned the game on its head with two quick goals and defending resolutely for much of the second half, they were undone by a moment of misfortune in stoppage time. Manager Thiago Motta, while proud of his team’s overall performance, will lament their inability to see the game out. Bologna’s strong form in recent weeks has lifted them away from the relegation zone, but this result serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can define matches in Serie A.

The match itself was a testament to the unpredictability and drama of Italian football. Both teams had moments of brilliance, but it was the ebb and flow of momentum, coupled with the late penalty controversy, that made this contest unforgettable. For neutrals, it was a thrilling spectacle, while for the supporters of Roma and Bologna, it was a rollercoaster of emotions.

As Roma looks ahead, they will need to address their defensive frailties and find greater consistency if they are to achieve their objectives this season. Bologna, meanwhile, can take pride in their performance despite the late setback. With their squad beginning to gel under Motta’s guidance, they have the potential to climb further up the table.

In the end, the 2-2 draw at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion. Artem Dovbyk’s last-gasp penalty was the defining moment, rescuing a point for Roma and denying Bologna a victory they had fought so hard to secure. It was a fitting finale to a match that encapsulated the highs and lows of Serie A football.