Bologna vs Roma: Where to Watch, Predicted Lineups, Kickoff Time & Serie A Standings

Bologna hosts AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in a pivotal Serie A clash with direct implications for European qualification. With just five matches remaining in the 2025-26 campaign, both clubs are fighting for position in the upper half of the table as the race for continental spots intensifies.

The match kicks off at 16:00 UTC (18:00 local time in Bologna) and will be broadcast live across multiple platforms. In Italy, DAZN holds exclusive Serie A streaming rights, while Sky Sport provides satellite coverage. Internationally, ESPN+ streams the game in the United States, and Star+ covers Latin America. Viewers in the UK can tune in via TNT Sports, with beIN Sports handling MENA region distribution.

As of April 24, 2026, Serie A standings show Bologna sitting in eighth place with 52 points, while Roma occupies ninth with 50 points. Juventus leads the table with 68 points, followed by Inter Milan (65) and AC Milan (63). Atalanta rounds out the Champions League places with 60 points, leaving just a four-point gap between Bologna and the fourth spot.

Europa League qualification remains attainable for both sides through a fifth- or sixth-place finish, depending on Coppa Italia outcomes. Lazio’s appearance in the Coppa Italia final could elevate the sixth-place finisher to European contention, making every point critical in the final stretch.

Predicted Lineups: Bologna vs Roma

Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lukasz Skorupski in goal. The backline should feature Emil Holm, Stefan Posch, Erick Martins, and Kristijan Jakic. In midfield, Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler will likely anchor the pivot, supporting Riccardo Orsoli, Jens Odgaard, and Dan Ndoye behind striker Santiago Castro.

For Roma, Claudio Ranieri is anticipated to start with Mile Svilar between the posts. The defensive line is projected to include Angelino, Chris Smalling, Gianluca Mancini, and Devyne Rensch. Midfield pivots Leandro Paredes and Manu Koné will support attackers Alexis Saelemaekers, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Paulo Dybala, with Artem Dovbyk leading the line as the central striker.

These lineups remain subject to late fitness assessments, with both managers expected to confirm final selections approximately 90 minutes before kickoff. No major injury concerns have been reported for either squad in the 48 hours preceding the match.

Tactical Key Battles

Three individual matchups could significantly influence the outcome:

• Riccardo Orsoli (Bologna) vs Leandro Paredes (Roma): The battle for midfield control will likely dictate tempo, with Orsoli’s box-to-box energy contrasting Paredes’ deep-lying playmaking.
• Dan Ndoye (Bologna) vs Devyne Rensch (Roma): Ndoye’s pace and direct running down the flank will test Rensch’s defensive discipline and recovery speed.
• Santiago Castro (Bologna) vs Chris Smalling (Roma): Castro’s physical presence and movement between channels will challenge Smalling’s aerial dominance and positional awareness.

Recent Form & Head-to-Head

Bologna enters the match unbeaten in their last four Serie A outings (two wins, two draws), including a 1-0 victory over Lazio and a 2-2 draw with Juventus. Roma, meanwhile, has won three of their past five league matches, most recently defeating Torino 3-1 at home.

The two sides last met on March 19, 2026, in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg at Stadio Olimpico, where Roma won 3-2 on aggregate after a dramatic penalty shootout victory. Donyell Malen scored the decisive spot-kick for Roma in that encounter.

In Serie A, Bologna holds a slight edge in recent meetings, having won two of the last three league encounters, including a 2-1 victory at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in December 2025.

What’s at Stake

A win for Bologna would move them within one point of Atalanta for fourth place and firmly establish their push for Champions League qualification. For Roma, three points would close the gap on Como for fifth place and keep alive their hopes of securing Europa League football through league position.

A draw would leave both teams in a precarious position, requiring near-perfect form in the remaining fixtures to achieve their European ambitions. A loss for either side would significantly complicate their continental aspirations, likely forcing reliance on Coppa Italia success.

How to Follow the Match

Live updates will be available through Archysport’s dedicated match center, featuring real-time statistics, possession maps, and key event alerts. Official lineups will be released approximately 60 minutes before kickoff via Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma’s verified social media channels.

Post-match analysis, including player ratings, tactical breakdowns, and implications for the Serie A table, will be published on Archysport within 90 minutes of the final whistle.

As the 2025-26 Serie A season enters its decisive phase, Bologna vs Roma represents more than just a single match — it is a potential turning point in the European qualification race for two clubs with ambitious trajectories.

The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams arrives midweek, with Bologna hosting Empoli on April 29 and Roma traveling to face Lecce on April 30, both matches carrying continued significance in the pursuit of continental football.

What are your predictions for this crucial Serie A encounter? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation across Archysport’s social platforms.