AS Roma - Bologna predictions and free betting tips [22/04/2024]

On Monday, the 22nd of April as part of the 33rd round of the Italian Serie A, Roma is set to host Bologna on its home ground. Only 4 points separate the two teams in the league table and the result of this face-to-face meeting will significantly affect the final outcome in the race for finishing in the top four of the Champions League.

Roma

Roma is in 5th place in the Serie A league table, having a game in hand and trailing by 4 points from the top four teams – a ticket to the Champions League appears to be a probable scenario. The capital team has picked up an excellent form since the appointment of Daniele De Rossi as head coach in January. In the last 11 rounds, the Giallorossi have only lost to Inter (2:4), winning 8 times and drawing twice. A couple of weeks ago, the Wolves came out on top in a derby against Lazio with a 1:0 score, and last time they were on the road against Udinese. By the 83rd minute, the score on the board was 1:1, but Roma central defender Ndicka lost consciousness, which resulted in the match being abandoned and will be replayed later. An interesting fact: Roma has won 11 out of the recent 16 Serie A home matches this season, which already equals as many victories as they achieved in the entire last season.

Last week, Roma defeated Milan with a 2:1 score and secured a place in the semi-finals of the Europa League (after a 0:1 victory at San Siro). Evan Ndicka, obviously, will not be able to participate in the upcoming round. However, there are no other losses in the yellow-orange camp; Diego Llorente or Chris Smalling are expected to be Gianluca Mancini's partners in the center of defense. It's anticipated that Daniele De Rossi will field the optimal lineup, considering the match's utmost importance in the race for the top four. Primarily, we're speaking of strikers Dybala (12 goals and 8 assists) and Lukaku (11 goals and 3 assists), while playmaker and captain Pellegrini (7 goals and 3 assists) will return to the midfield after resting in the previous round. Young Dean Heisen, who was not included in Roma's Europa League squad, will also look forward to getting some game time on Monday.

Bologna

Bologna currently ranks 4th in the Serie A league table and is just 4 points clear of the following Roma. Qualification for the Champions League would be a resounding success for a team, which wasn't expected to achieve such a success before the start of the campaign. Thiago Motta's charges have lost only one game (to Inter) in the last 12 rounds, winning 8 times and drawing three times. After logical victories over Empoli (0:1) and Salernitana (3:0), the visitors dropped precious points in the two preceding matches: they drew with Frosinone (0:0) and Monza (0:0). It's worth noting that the Rossoblu haven't conceded a single goal in the last four Serie A matches, which is the club's best result this century. Meanwhile, Bologna has only achieved four away victories in the championship, which can't help but worry the fans.

Important attacking midfielder Fergusson (6 goals and 3 assists), who was injured in the last round, will not return to the pitch on Monday. Thiago Motta will replace him in the midfield with Giovanni Fabbian or Michel Ebisher. Along with the Scotsman, defender Sumaoro also turned out to be in the team's infirmary. On the other hand, Odgaard has recovered from an injury and has every chance to make it into the Rossoblu's squad, while winger Saelemaekers (2 goals and 2 assists) will return to action after a suspension. In Thiago Motta's squad, winger Orsolini (10 goals and 2 assists) and striker Zirkzee (10 goals and 3 assists) are responsible for the attacking creativity. However, they were unable to distinguish themselves in the last two matches.

Head-to-head

By winning with a score of 2:0 in the December match, the Rossoblu can score a double over Roma in Serie A for the first time since 1967.

Match prediction for Roma - Bologna

Though Roma had less time to rest and recover, they have been demonstrating the ability to garner results despite challenges under the leadership of Daniele De Rossi lately. Bologna is experiencing crew difficulties and in general does not shine with bright play away from home. Given the support of Stadio Olimpico's tribunes, I reckon the hosts should be able to secure the much-needed three points – I'm betting on their handicap of 0.