The tie is delicately poised after a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Dall’Ara, setting the stage for a compelling second leg between Roma and Bologna. The victor will advance to the Europa League quarterfinals, where they’ll face either Aston Villa or Lille.
Roma finds itself navigating a challenging period. Their Champions League aspirations are fading after collecting just one point from their last three Serie A matches. Even as a three-point gap separates them from fourth-placed Como, it’s the team’s recent performances that are raising concerns. A particularly listless showing in their recent defeat to Como highlighted attacking struggles. The Europa League takes on added significance, offering a potential alternative route to European competition.
Bologna, yet, arrives at the Stadio Olimpico with renewed confidence. The Rossoblù have rediscovered their form, winning six of their last eight matches across all competitions. A European place in Serie A remains a distant prospect (nine points off the pace), but the team’s physical condition and belief are growing. Manager Vincenzo Italiano as well brings a strong cup pedigree, having won the Coppa Italia last year and reached two Conference League finals with Fiorentina. The Europa League could prove to be fertile ground for Italiano’s tactical acumen.
Roma-Bologna: Key Information
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 21:00 (9:00 PM CET) / 3:00 PM EST
Stadium: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Referee: Istvan Kovacs
TV Broadcast: Sky and NOW
Streaming: Sky Move (PC, smartphone, tablet) and NOW (smart TV, PC, smartphone, tablet)
How to Watch Roma-Bologna on TV and Streaming
The match will be broadcast on SKY, which holds the rights to the Europa League. A subscription to Sky Sport is required to watch on television, or a NOW subscription. Streaming options are available via the Sky GO and NOW apps on smartphones and tablets.
Probable Lineups
Roma
Gian Piero Gasperini is set to welcome back his first-choice defensive trio. Mancini, returning from suspension, will lead the line alongside Ndicka and Hermoso, with Celik and Wesley operating as fullbacks. The midfield remains somewhat uncertain, with a decision to be made between Koné and Pisilli. Cristante will anchor the midfield, providing balance and intensity. Upfront, the indications suggest a fluid attack with Zaragoza starting, supported by Pellegrini, and Malen leading the line.
Formation (3-4-2-1)
Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Zaragoza, Pellegrini; Malen
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
Bologna
Vincenzo Italiano faces a defensive crisis. Skorupski is sidelined for approximately two months with a muscle injury, meaning Ravaglia will start in goal. The absences of Miranda and the uncertain fitness of Lykogiannis further complicate matters, forcing Italiano to deploy Joao Mario at left-back. Freuler and Pobega are expected to reclaim their positions in midfield after being rested in the recent match against Sassuolo. Federico Bernardeschi’s excellent form should see him start ahead of Orsolini, alongside Ferguson and Rowe in support of Castro, who will lead the attack.
Formation (4-3-3)
Ravaglia; Zortea, Vitik, Lucumì, Joao Mario; Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi; Ferguson, Rowe; Castro
Manager: Vincenzo Italiano
Head-to-Head Record
Last week’s encounter was the first continental clash between Roma and Bologna. In Serie A, Roma won the first match of the season 1-0, with a goal from Wesley. The two teams have met 165 times in their history, with Roma leading 58 wins to Bologna’s 56, and 51 draws. Roma have also scored more goals with 214 to Bologna’s 199.
Betting Odds and Tips
Roma’s early-season momentum has waned, and a string of injuries has depleted their attacking options. Despite this, their commitment to their manager remains unwavering. They’ll demand that resolve to progress.
Bologna, while not quite the force they were earlier in the season, has rediscovered its winning touch. Italiano has proven adept in cup competitions, and his team arrives at the Olimpico with confidence. From a physical and mental standpoint, Bologna appears to be in better shape and could secure a positive result.
Tip: Bologna to win or draw – quoted at 2.00 on Sisal.
As a second betting suggestion, consider Bologna to score at least one goal. They have found the net in nine consecutive games, and their current form suggests they can continue that run. Roma, while typically solid defensively, have conceded in their last four matches.
Tip: Bologna Over 0.5 goals – quoted at 1.58 on GoldBet.
Federico Bernardeschi has been in excellent form for Bologna, contributing goals, assists, and strong performances. He has displaced Orsolini in the starting lineup. A good bet is for Bernardeschi to have over 0.5 shots on target.
Tip: Bernardeschi Over 0.5 shots on target – quoted at 2.10 on bet365.
Match Odds
Roma to win: 1.72 on bet365, 1.75 on Sisal, 1.75 on GoldBet
Draw: 3.60 on bet365, 3.60 on Sisal, 3.55 on GoldBet
Bologna to win: 5.00 on bet365, 4.75 on Sisal, 4.75 on GoldBet
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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The second leg promises to be a tense affair. Roma’s European ambitions, and potentially their Champions League hopes, hang in the balance, while Bologna will be eager to continue their impressive cup run. The Stadio Olimpico is set for a captivating night of Europa League football.
Following this match, Roma will return to Serie A action, while Bologna will also continue their league campaign. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of both teams’ progress.
