Bologna vs Roma Predictions, Odds & Preview – Serie A 25 April 2026

Bologna vs Roma Match Preview

Serie A football returns to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this Saturday as Bologna host AS Roma in what promises to be an enthralling encounter between two sides with contrasting ambitions. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 BST on 25 April 2026, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma travelling to Emilia-Romagna knowing that victory is essential to keep their European qualification hopes firmly on track.

Under the stewardship of Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna have established themselves as a mid-table force this season, playing an attractive brand of attacking football that has won plaudits across the peninsula. The former Fiorentina and Spezia manager has brought his trademark high-energy approach to the Dall’Ara, making Bologna a formidable proposition on their home turf even against the division’s heavyweight clubs.

Meanwhile, Gasperini’s arrival in the capital has injected fresh impetus into Roma’s campaign. The experienced tactician, renowned for his work at Atalanta where he transformed the Bergamo side into Champions League regulars, has been tasked with steering the Giallorossi back into continental competition. With several matches remaining in the season, every point is precious as Roma look to close the gap on the top four.

Serie A Table Context

The current Serie A standings paint a fascinating picture as the season enters its decisive phase. Inter Milan sit comfortably at the summit with 78 points from 33 matches, well on course to defend their Scudetto crown. Behind them, Napoli occupy second place with 69 points from 34 games, while AC Milan remain in the hunt with 66 points from their 33 fixtures.

Juventus complete the top four with 63 points from 33 matches, though their position is far from secure. The battle for European qualification has intensified dramatically, with Roma among several clubs jostling for position in the chasing pack. The margins are fine, and a single result could prove decisive in determining who secures Champions League football next term.

With the season reaching its climax, every fixture carries enormous significance. For Roma, the equation is simple: keep winning and hope those above them slip up. For Bologna, the motivation comes from finishing as high as possible and potentially gatecrashing the European places themselves, while also playing for pride in front of their passionate home supporters.

Team News & Squad Overview

Bologna – Under Vincenzo Italiano

Vincenzo Italiano has built an impressive squad at Bologna, blending experienced campaigners with exciting young talent. The Rossoblù boast significant strength in depth across all positions, giving their manager plenty of options for this crucial fixture.

Goalkeepers: Łukasz Skorupski provides reliable presence between the sticks, with Federico Ravaglia, Ukko Happonen, Matteo Franceschelli and Massimo Pessina offering backup options.

Defenders: The backline features a mix of experience and potential. Jhon Lucumí has been a commanding presence at centre-back, while the full-back positions offer exciting options with Charalampos Lykogiannis and Juan Miranda providing width and attacking thrust. Lorenzo De Silvestri brings invaluable experience, and the squad also includes Nicolò Casale, Martin Vitík, Torbjørn Heggem, Nadir Zortea, Davide Baroncioni, Eivind Helland, João Mário Neto Lopes, Petar Marković and Bodin Tomašević.

Midfielders: The engine room is where Bologna truly excel. Lewis Ferguson has been outstanding this season, contributing both goals and assists from midfield. Remo Freuler offers defensive solidity and tactical intelligence, while Nikola Moro provides creativity and passing range. Simon Sohm, Tommaso Pobega and Luca Lai complete the midfield contingent, giving Italiano multiple tactical options.

Attackers: Bologna’s forward line is packed with quality. Riccardo Orsolini remains the talismanic figure, capable of producing moments of magic from wide positions. Santiago Castro has been a revelation this campaign, finding the net with impressive regularity. Federico Bernardeschi adds experience and set-piece expertise, while Thijs Dallinga, Nicolò Cambiaghi, Jens Odgaard, Jonathan Rowe, Benjamín Domínguez, Francesco Castaldo and Simone Negri provide further attacking depth.

Roma – Under Gian Piero Gasperini

Gian Piero Gasperini has wasted little time in implementing his distinctive tactical philosophy at Roma, demanding high intensity, positional fluidity and relentless pressing. The Giallorossi squad has adapted well to his methods, producing some scintillating performances in recent weeks.

Goalkeepers: Mile Svilar has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper since Gasperini’s arrival, impressing with his shot-stopping and distribution. Pierluigi Gollini, Alessio Marcaccini, Giorgio De Marzi and Radosław Żelezny provide capable alternatives.

Defenders: Roma’s defensive unit has shown marked improvement under Gasperini’s tutelage. Gianluca Mancini remains the defensive anchor, marshalling the backline with authority. Evan Ndicka offers physicality and composure on the ball, while the full-back positions are well-stocked with Kostas Tsimikas and Zeki Çelik providing width and attacking threat. The defensive options also include Mario Hermoso, José Ángel Esmoris Tasende (Angeliño), Wesley Vinícius França Lima, Devyne Rensch, Daniele Ghilardi, Jacopo Mirra, Mohamed Seck, Emanuele Lulli and Jan Ziółkowski.

Midfielders: The midfield battle will be crucial, and Roma possess considerable quality in this department. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains the captain and creative heartbeat of the side, capable of unlocking defences with his vision and technique. Bryan Cristante provides defensive protection and tactical discipline, while the emerging Niccolò Pisilli has shown promise with his energy and intelligent movement. Neil El Aynaoui, Manu Koné and Muhammed Bah offer further options, along with Mattia Della Rocca.

Attackers: Roma’s attacking arsenal is genuinely fearsome. Paulo Dybala, when fully fit, is one of the most gifted players in world football, capable of deciding any match with a moment of individual brilliance. Artem Dovbyk has been in prolific form this season, leading the line with power and precision. Matías Soulé has been a revelation since joining, bringing pace, trickery and an eye for goal. The wide positions offer further quality with Stephan El Shaarawy, Donyell Malen and Bryan Zaragoza, while Evan Ferguson provides a different option through the middle. Antonio Arena, Edoardo Morucci, Lorenzo Venturino and Robinio Vaz complete the attacking ranks.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The recent history between these two clubs makes for fascinating reading. Across their last ten meetings, Bologna have enjoyed the upper hand with three victories to Roma’s two, while five matches have ended in draws. The Rossoblù have found the net 14 times in these fixtures compared to Roma’s 11, suggesting a competitive but slightly favourable recent record for the home side.

The most recent encounter came in the UEFA Europa League in March 2026, when Bologna produced a stunning comeback to defeat Roma 4-3 after extra time at the Stadio Olimpico. Having trailed 3-1, the Rossoblù showed tremendous character to force extra time before securing a memorable victory. That result will undoubtedly give Italiano’s men confidence ahead of this reunion.

Earlier in the same European tie, the sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Dall’Ara, demonstrating how evenly matched these teams are. In Serie A action this season, Roma secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the Olimpico back in August 2025, though that was before Gasperini’s arrival and came against different tactical setups.

Looking further back, Bologna claimed an impressive 3-2 victory at the Olimpico in November 2024, while the most recent meeting at the Dall’Ara produced a 2-2 draw in January 2025. The pattern suggests that encounters between these sides are typically tight, entertaining affairs with goals at both ends.

Historically, Bologna have enjoyed success at home against Roma, and the Dall’Ara faithful will be hoping their side can extend that record this weekend. However, Gasperini’s tactical acumen and Roma’s improved form under his guidance means this will be a stern test of Bologna’s credentials.

Bologna vs Roma Predictions & Betting Tips

This fixture presents a fascinating tactical battle between two managers who favour attacking, high-intensity football. With both sides possessing quality in the final third and neither likely to sit back, we anticipate an open and entertaining encounter.

Match Result Prediction: Roma Win

Despite Bologna’s impressive home form and their recent success against Roma in Europe, the visitors enter this match as slight favourites and with good reason. Gasperini has transformed Roma’s fortunes since taking charge, instilling a winning mentality and tactical clarity that was previously lacking. With European qualification on the line, the Giallorossi have the motivation and quality to secure a narrow victory.

However, this will be no walkover. Bologna under Italiano have proven themselves capable of troubling any side in Serie A, and the Dall’Ara is a difficult venue for visiting teams. Roma will need to be at their best to come away with all three points.

Both Teams to Score: Yes

Given the attacking talent on display and the defensive vulnerabilities that both sides have shown at times this season, backing both teams to find the net looks a sensible proposition. Bologna have scored in their last six home matches, while Roma have found the net in eight of their last ten away fixtures.

Over 2.5 Goals

The recent history between these clubs suggests goals are likely. Four of their last five meetings have produced at least three goals, and with both managers favouring positive approaches, this trend should continue. Dybala, Dovbyk, Orsolini and Castro all possess the quality to trouble opposing defences.

Anytime Goalscorer Tips

Artem Dovbyk has been in sensational form for Roma and represents excellent value to find the net. The Ukrainian striker has developed into one of Serie A’s most prolific marksmen under Gasperini’s guidance.

Santiago Castro has been Bologna’s standout performer this season and will relish the chance to test Roma’s backline. The young Argentine has shown remarkable composure in front of goal.

Paulo Dybala remains Roma’s most dangerous player when fit. His ability to create chances from nothing makes him a constant threat, and he has a fine scoring record against Bologna from his time at Juventus.

Bologna vs Roma Odds

The bookmakers have priced this contest as a close affair, with Roma holding a narrow edge in the betting. Here are the best available odds from leading UK bookmakers:

Odds correct at time of publication. Please check with individual bookmakers for the latest prices.

The away win at around 5/4 represents solid value given Roma’s improved form under Gasperini and the stakes involved. Those seeking larger returns might consider combining a Roma victory with both teams to score, which has landed in several recent meetings between these sides.

Where to Watch Bologna vs Roma

UK viewers can catch all the action from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara live on television. The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports, with coverage beginning ahead of the 17:00 BST kick-off. Subscribers can also stream the match via the Premier Sports Player app and website.

Alternatively, Sky Sports will be showing the match on their Football and Main Event channels, providing comprehensive coverage including pre-match analysis and post-match reaction. Sky customers can watch via their set-top box or through the Sky Go app on mobile devices and tablets.

For those unable to watch live, live text commentary will be available on the FootballTips website, with goal updates and key incidents covered as they happen.

Bologna vs Roma FAQ

What time does Bologna vs Roma kick off?

The match kicks off at 17:00 BST on Saturday 25 April 2026 at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.

Who are the managers of Bologna and Roma?

Vincenzo Italiano is the manager of Bologna, having taken over ahead of the current season. The former midfielder has previously managed Fiorentina and Spezia. Gian Piero Gasperini manages Roma, bringing extensive experience from his successful spell at Atalanta where he established the club as regular Champions League qualifiers.

What is at stake in this match?

Roma are pushing hard for European qualification under Gasperini and need maximum points to keep pace with the teams above them. Bologna, comfortably mid-table, are playing for pride and the chance to finish as high as possible, while also potentially derailing Roma’s European ambitions.