12 January 2025. 7:00 p.m. Bologna. “Renato Dall’Ara”
Serie A, 20th day
Injuries: El-Azzuzi, Cambiaghi, Ebischer – Cristante
Suspension : Escape (Bologna)
Betting Odds: Bologna vs Roma
Bologna
Bologna will finally kick off their 2025 campaign after missing their match against Inter on Matchday 19, with their opponent busy with the Coppa Italia final. Therefore, the Rossoblu had a solid 13 days of preparation for this clash with Roma.
The team ended 2024 in disappointing fashion, suffering a shocking home defeat against Verona (2-3). Tommaso Pobega once again disappointed his teammates by receiving a red card, and it seems that this incident, just like in the match against Lazio, was decisive.
As hosts, Bologna have not had consecutive league defeats since January 2022. Additionally, both home and away, the team has not lost two league games consecutively for two years. Therefore, on Sunday Bologna will look to get back on track.
“We have worked hard all week and we are ready to show our strength. Mistakes can arise due to concentration and attention, even if the opponent is not the strongest. In this regard, we We cannot afford any mistakes. I am convinced that the mistakes made by the defenders in the match against Verona will not be repeated. The same goes for Pobega: we can no longer turn a blind eye to such incidents. we can’t afford to do this yet kind of errors; I believe this is the last of these errors due to negligence.”
“Roma? When such teams come out of a crisis, they become very dangerous. For me, Roma occupy a top place in the standings,” said Vincenzo Italiano.
Roma
Bologna have recently become a formidable opponent for Roma. The Romans have lost their last three meetings with the Emiliani, conceding an aggregate score of 3-8 – the last time they lost four consecutive games was in the 1960s. However, the Giallorossi finished 2024 on a high note. positive note, crushing Parma before holding Milan to a draw at San Siro, then starting 2025 with victory in the Derby della Capitale. Trailing Lazio by 15 points, Roma closed that gap with a 2-0 win, where captain Lorenzo Pellegrini rewarded Claudio Ranieri’s confidence by scoring the first goal following his return to the starting XI .
Roma have won three times in their last five league games – as many as in their previous 15 – and it appears the team has overcome their crisis under interim coach Ranieri, who is expected for a leadership role at the end of this season. Now they aim to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since September, as well as end a 12-game winless drought away in Serie A – the worst such run in the century.
“I am confident that we will have a very good match. Bologna press extremely well, giving us no respite and attacking aggressively. We are aware of this. We have studied all this in great detail. However, now we must put into practice what we know,” noted Claudio Ranieri, adding that he will strive to win this match for the fans who normally travel to support Roma on their travels. This time, the Giallorossi will not be able to access the Dall’Ara Stadium due to a ban.
Ranieri also said he would take responsibility for the winter transfer market, alongside sporting director Florin Hdao. Fans noted: “If Hdao manages to sell Cristante and Abraham, then buy Game Creators and sign Frattesi, he should be made a monument.”
Bologna vs Roma: Predictable Teams
Bologna vs Roma: Author’s Prediction
Ranieri dismissed talk of a weak mentality preventing Roma from winning away games. This season, the Romans have yet to secure an away victory. Well, it’s time to rectify that. The team is now in great shape. It seems that on Sunday, Roma could finally please their fans in an away match in Serie A.
