AS Roma and Bologna go head-to-head in Serie A on Saturday.
Both sides will be searching for a positive start to the 2025/26 season, as Roma aim to build on their exceptional form from last season’s run-in, while Bologna look to continue exceeding expectations in Serie A.
AS Roma vs Bologna – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: 23rd August, Saturday.
- Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
- Last meeting: Bologna 2-2 Roma, January 12th 2025, Serie A
AS Roma Team News
Roma, now under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, have invested strategically during the summer window. New signings include defenders Daniele Ghilardi and Wesley França, midfielder Neil El Aynaoui and forward Evan Ferguson. The club missed out on Champions League football last season by just a single point, but remain optimistic after posting their best Serie A points total in five years and a 19-match unbeaten streak – their best since 2016.
Important absentees include right-back Zeki Celik, banned following a late-season red card, plus captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and winger Leon Bailey, both sidelined with muscle injuries. Both could return in early September. Gasperini commented, “The team is taking shape. Our attacking potential could define our season.”
Bologna Team News
After finishing ninth last term but claiming Coppa Italia glory, Bologna arrive with several squad changes. Key departures include Dan Ndoye and Sam Beukema, whose exits have left fans uncertain. In their place, Bologna added depth. Coach Vincenzo Italiano urged, “We must treat this like a Champions League match – Roma are that quality of opponent.”
Squad issues linger: full-back Juan Miranda is suspended, while Emil Holm is out with a thigh problem. Lewis Ferguson and Federico Bernardeschi are doubts for the opening
match.
Form
AS Roma
Roma impressed in pre-season, winning four of six friendlies. Their last fixture was a 2-2 draw with Neom. The Giallorossi have not lost at home in 12 league matches.
Bologna
Bologna were inconsistent in pre-season, alternating wins and losses. They lifted the Coppa Italia last year – providing hope for more silverware – but have looked vulnerable in summer preparations.
Predicted Lineups
AS Roma: Svilar; Hermoso, Mancini, Ndicka; Wesley, Kone, El Aynaoui, Angelino; Dybala, Soule; Ferguson.
Bologna: Skorupski; De Silvestri, Vitik, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Ferguson, Freuler; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Immobile.
How to Watch AS Roma vs Bologna?
UK viewers can watch the match on Dazn.
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