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Roma vs. Bologna – Serie A: Match Preview & Predicted Lineups

John Solano

The Giallorossi return to Serie A action following an explosive week.

Roma enter Sunday’s clash with Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico needing to respond to mounting pressure following a dismal showing last weekend against Hellas Verona.

For Bologna, they arrive in the capital brimming with confidence, having made an impressive start to the Serie A season.

Kick-off is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 15.00 in Rome.

Roma

Sunday’s game could be make or break for Roma manager Ivan Juric. In what could be his final game on the bench, the embattled Croatian technician is under scrutiny amidst a flurry of poor results and baffling decisions.

His latest gaffe occurred on Saturday afternoon with his decision to exclude Paulo Dybala from the squad—claiming the Argentine suffered a minor muscle issue.

However, multiple reports emerged within minutes of Juric’s announcement that stated Dybala is fully fit and was completely taken aback by the coach’s decision—adding more drama to an already tense camp.

In addition to La Joya, the Giallorossi will also be without Alexis Saelemaekers (ankle fracture) and veteran defender Mario Hermoso (muscle strain). Meanwhile, captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is dealing with his own muscle issue and most suspect he’ll start the game on the bench.

With all these absences, the hosts will rely on youngsters Tommaso Baldanzi and Niccolò Pisilli. Meanwhile, top scorer Artem Dovbyk is available after a recent bout of influenza.

Bologna

The Rossoblu arrive in the capital brimming with confidence, having made an impressive start to the Serie A season.

With only one defeat—against Napoli in August—Vincenzo Italiano’s men are looking to cement their strong form against an embattled Roma side.

Following Tuesday’s Champions League loss to Monaco, Italiano is expected to reintegrate Riccardo Orsolini, who was rested against the French side. The starting left back position remains a question mark, with Charalampos Lykogiannis and Juan Miranda vying for the role.

Former Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski will look to impress against his old team, while injuries to Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, Martin Erlic, and Michel Aebischer limit the visitor’s options.

However, Bologna’s robust midfield, and in-form wingers will likely prove critical in this encounter.

Predicted Lineups

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Celik, Le Fee, Konè, Zalewski; Baldanzi, Pisilli; Dovbyk

Unavailable: Alexis Saelemaekers, Paulo Dybala, Mario Hermoso

BOLOGNA (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; De Silvestri, Beukema, Lucumì, Lykogiannis; Urbanski, Freuler; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro

Unavailable: Nicolò Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, Martin Erlic, Michel Aebischer

Match Center

MatchDay 16
15 Dec 19:00
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