Roma vs Bologna: Preview and Prediction

Roma vs Bologna
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 6th November 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome).

Roma will look to use their midweek Europa League win to build up some positive momentum as they welcome Bologna to the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday.

The Giallorossi will be kicking themselves after failing to find a way past Empoli. Given that the Azzurri have the worst attack in the division and are shaping up to be among those relegated at the end of the season, the scoreless stalemate will have left Roma feeling more like they actually lost that game. The race for the Scudetto is rapidly shaping up to be a multi-party affair and every point lost between now and May can prove to be quite costly.

Edin Dzeko in particular has been quite excellent for Luciano Spalletti’s side. The big Bosnian struggled in his debut season in Serie A, but now has settled in quite well and will hope to add more to his tally against the Rossoblu. After failing to find his shooting boots against Empoli, the ex-Manchester City man will be eager to continue his own push for the Capocannoniere by grabbing a goal or two in this upcoming fixture – as Ciro Immobile sits just one behind him with nine goals.

As for Bologna, they are a side in free-fall. The Rossoblu have failed to win their last five games, and have picked up just three points out of a possible 15. They will be coming up against a team who have been absolutely flawless on home turf. Roma have won all five of their Serie A home games this season, and that will be a daunting fact for a team who probably are hoping the international break will give them a chance to regroup and refocus.

Roma vs Bologna: Head-to-head statistics

• Roma are unbeaten in 15 out of their last 16 meetings with Bologna across all competitions.
• The Giallorossi have a 100 per cent record at home in Serie A so far this season
  Bologna have drawn their past three away games.
• The Rossoblu are also winless in their last six matches.
• Roma have seen over 2.5 goals in their past six home Serie A matches.
• The Lupi have netted at least three goals in five out of their last six home games.
• Bologna have won two, drawn seven, and lost 11 out of their last 20 away games against teams ranked higher than them in the table

Roma vs Bologna: Prediction

Bologna, despite their woes, have managed to score in all of their away games so far. That’s bound to cause Roma some issues, as the Giallorossi still can’t seem to keep a clean sheet. In fact, they have only Even their win over Austria Wien was a lot more nervy than Spalletti would have liked, and in the first leg, they led 3-1 only to concede two late goals to draw 3-3.

They’re also facing an injury crisis of sorts at the moment, with five defenders out, making Spalletti’s selection that much more difficult. That being said, the form that the Lupi are in right now will surely see them through against a Bologna side whose bad form certainly isn’t helped by their injuries that have plagued them this season. A relatively comfortable win for Roma is on the cards, albeit keeping a clean sheet will be quite tough.