Roma vs Bologna Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Serie A, 2025

AS Roma vs Bologna Predicted Lineups

• Tournament: Serie A
• Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025
• Kick-off Time: 18:45 PM GMT
• Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome

The 2025/26 Serie A season is set to play host to a thrilling game in the opening weekend when the exciting AS Roma side faces off against Bologna. The Roma vs Bologna clash will take place at the Stadio Olimpico Stadium, and should be an entirely entertaining game as both sides aim to start their campaign with three points. Here is our Roma vs Bologna preview.

AS Roma are embarking on a new era with Gian Piero Gasperini as their new manager and aim to fight strongly for a place in the top-4 this season. They finished in fifth place last season and have had a topsy-turvy preseason so far, winning three of their last five games and scoring just eight goals in that period.

Gian Piero Gasperini will be pushing for his side to thrill the home fans with some entertaining, efficient attacking football and take the fight to their opponents. They will, of course, need to keep a sturdy defensive shape, but the priority will be to be innovative in the attack and be fearless going forward to get a big win.

Bologna will be eager to spoil Gasperini's big first day as Roma manager, as they aim to compete high up in the Serie A table in the 2025/26 season as well. Bologna have won three of their last five matches in preseason, scoring 15 goals in the process and looking sharp with their attacking style.

Vincenzo Italiano will be pushing his side to be brave in the intimidating atmosphere of the Stadio Olimpico and produce a prolific performance. He will, of course, need his side to keep a very stubborn defensive line to stop Roma from playing their natural style, but he will also need his players to be clinical on the transitions to get a statement result.

AS Roma Team News

Gian Piero Gasperini will be missing a few important squad players for his first league game as Roma boss. Lorenzo Pellegrini is still struggling with a hamstring injury and won't be fit anytime soon. Mehmet Celik is also suspended for this game for picking up too many bookings last season.

Bologna Team News

Vincenzo Italiano will not be able to play his new signing, Federico Bernadeschi, for this game as he recovers from a knee injury. The likes of Lewis Ferguson (shin injury) and Emil Holm (thigh) are both ruled out for this game. Juan Miranda is suspended as well.

AS Roma vs Bologna Predicted Lineups

Here are our Roma vs Bologna Predicted Lineups.

AS Roma Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar

Defenders: Daniele Ghilardi, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, Angelino

Midfielders: Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaouni

Forwards: Matias Soule, Manu Kone, Evan Ferguson

Bologna Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski

Defenders: Stefan Posch, Mihaljo Ilic, Tobjorn Heggem, Juan Miranda

Midfielders: Remo Freuler, Tommaso Pobega, Jens Odegaard

Forwards: Ricardo Orsolini, Benjamin Dominguez, Santiago Castro

AS Roma vs Bologna Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced each other 163 times in the past. Out of that, AS Roma have won 57 times and Bologna have won 56 times! In their last five meetings, Bologna have won three games, and Roma's last win over them was back in 2023!

Key Players to Watch in AS Roma vs Bologna

Matias Soule (Roma)

Matias Soule was a bright spark in Roma's attack in the 2024/25 season, scoring five goals in Serie A and outperforming his 3.02 xG (expected goals) as well. The Argentine forward might get even more freedom to cause chaos in the opposition half under Gasperini and will be aiming to start the season positively.

Soule will look to be smart with his movement and close control to get the ball into the danger areas and look to create more chances with his innovative passes. He'll also be encouraged to finish off chances clinically and be decisive in front of goal to help Roma start the new season with a bang.

Santiago Castro (Bologna)

Santiago Castro was a breath of fresh air for Bologna in the 2024/25 Serie A campaign, tormenting defenders with his intelligent work in and around the penalty area. He scored eight goals in the league last season, outperforming his 7.63 xG, and was a prolific figure in the final third.

Castro will be looking towards beginning the new campaign on a strong note by being at his ruthless best in the final third. He will look to link up smartly to help create more attacking moves, but will mostly be tasked with being in the right positions in the box and converting his chances diligently to help Bologna get off to a winning start.

AS Roma vs Bologna Prediction

With both these sides preferring to play attacking football and being impressive on the transitions, this match should end up being an entertaining one for the fans. There should be plenty of action on the pitch, especially when it comes to quick counterattacks and the set-piece prowess of the two sides.

Even though Bologna might be in good form, their backline has been hampered by multiple sales, and that could give Roma the edge in this game. Gasperini's side should produce a thrilling display to get a compelling win to start the new era. Here is our Roma vs Bologna prediction.

Predicted Score: AS Roma 2-1 Bologna

Where to watch AS Roma vs Bologna Live?

Here we look at where to watch Roma vs Bologna in key regions around the globe.