Match Overview

The highly anticipated Serie A opening matchday will see AS Roma host Bologna at the historic Stadio Olimpico on August 23rd. This preview delves into the prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for the Roma vs. Bologna encounter.

AS Roma Team Analysis

Season Overview and Pre-Season Performance

Last season, the Giallorossi secured a commendable fifth-place finish, accumulating 69 points and narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot by just one point. This marked Roma’s best Serie A performance in five seasons. During the campaign, the club also established its longest unbeaten streak since 2016, extending to 19 matches (14 wins, 5 draws). Furthermore, the Romans demonstrated formidable home form, ranking third in the league for points secured on their own turf (41). In their pre-season preparations, the team participated in five friendly matches, registering four victories and a single defeat.

Squad Changes and New Management

During the summer transfer window, defender Samuel Dahl and midfielder Enzo Le Fée departed the club, while forward Eldor Shomurodov moved out on loan. Concurrently, Roma bolstered their squad with the arrivals of defenders Daniele Ghilardi and Wesley França, midfielders Leon Bailey and Nels El-Henaoui, and striker Evan Ferguson. A significant change also sees Gian Piero Gasperini taking the reins as the new head coach, signaling a fresh tactical direction for the Roman side.

Key Roma Statistics

• Roma has remained unbeaten in their last 12 home Serie A matches (10 wins, 2 draws).
• Fewer than three goals were scored in four of the club’s last five home league fixtures.
• The Romans scored exactly one or two goals in five of their last six home Serie A encounters.

Roma’s Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)

Mile Svilar – Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini, Daniele Ghilardi – Wesley França, Kouadio Koné, Bryan Cristante, Angeliño – Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk, Matías Soulé.

Team Absences for Roma

Midfielders Leon Bailey and Lorenzo Pellegrini are currently sidelined with injuries. Defender Zeki Çelik will be unavailable due to suspension.

Bologna Team Analysis

Bologna’s Previous Season and Pre-Season Form

Last season, Bologna concluded their league campaign in ninth place with 62 points. However, they surprisingly secured a Europa League berth by winning the Coppa Italia. Historically, since the 2015/16 season, Bologna has only finished higher in Serie A on one occasion. The team even vied for a Champions League spot but faltered significantly in the season’s closing stages, failing to win any of their last five matches (2 draws, 3 defeats). Under Vincenzo Italiano’s guidance, they played four pre-season friendlies, achieving three wins and one loss.

Squad Reinforcements and Departures

Over the summer, Bologna strengthened their squad with the additions of defenders Martin Vitík, Nadir Zortea, and Nicolò Casale, midfielder Tommaso Pobega, and experienced forwards Federico Bernardeschi and Ciro Immobile. Conversely, the club saw the departures of defender Sam Beukema and forward Dan Ndoye.

Key Bologna Statistics

• Bologna has managed only two wins in their last 10 away Serie A matches (4 draws, 4 losses).
• Fewer than three goals were scored in six of the team’s last nine away league fixtures.
• Bologna failed to score more than once in eight of their last nine Serie A matches.

Bologna’s Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)

Łukasz Skorupski – Emil Holm, Martin Vitík, Jhon Lucumí, Charalampos Lykogiannis – Riccardo Orsolini, Remo Freuler, Jens Odgaard, Tommaso Pobega, Nicolò Cambiaghi – Santiago Castro.

Team Absences for Bologna

Midfielder Lewis Ferguson is out with an injury. Defender Juan Miranda is suspended.

Match Official

Referee Profile: Luca Zufferli

Luca Zufferli (Italy) Matches officiated: 15 (Serie A, 2024/25); Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 42; Average yellow cards per match: 2.8; Red cards shown: 3; Average fouls per match: 23; Penalties awarded: 20%.

Match Prediction: AS Roma vs Bologna

Roma’s Home Advantage

The Romans exhibit strong confidence when playing at home and will undoubtedly aim to extend their impressive unbeaten home streak, ensuring a positive start to the new season. They have remained undefeated in their last 12 Serie A home matches, failing to secure a maximum result in only two of those encounters. Furthermore, in half of these fixtures, the club successfully kept a clean sheet, highlighting their defensive solidity at the Olimpico.

Bologna’s Away Struggles

Bologna, however, has struggled to find consistent success on the road recently. In their last ten Serie A away fixtures, the team has managed only two victories (along with 4 draws and 4 defeats). These rare wins came against relegation-threatened sides like Verona and Venezia. Moreover, during this challenging period, the club failed to score against opponents such as Parma, Lecce, and Udinese, indicating a lack of attacking prowess away from home.

Final Betting Pick

Considering Roma’s dominant home record and Bologna’s difficulties on the road, I anticipate another strong performance from the Roman side at the Stadio Olimpico. My final prediction is: Roma to Win with a (0) Asian Handicap with odds of 1.50