Prediction: Roma vs Bologna

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who have their sights firmly set on securing a Champions League ticket this season, Roma will welcome Bologna to the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening.

Roma

Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have only appointed Daniele De Rossi back in January, the Wolves have continued on a stunning rise under the former SPAL boss. Booking a Europa League semi-final ticket last week as they secured a famous 3-1 aggregate romp against fellow Italian icons AC Milan, the mood around the Stadio Olimpico is at a red-hot high. Continuing to skyrocket their way up the Serie A standings and now sat in the driving seat to punch a Champions League return, Roma will be desperate to make another heavyweight statement here. Receiving a string of plaudits from across the continent, Monday’s hosts will also be excited by a rampant record on home soil. Including a remarkable 4-0 romp against Premier League outfit Brighton on March 7th, De Rossi’s side have won all of their previous six consecutive showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico.

Team News

Suffering a collapsed long following dramatic scenes away at Udinese last week, Evan Ndicka will not feature for the remainder of the season. Returning from a long-term knee injury last month, former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham could make just a second Serie A appearance here.

While Turkey international Zeki Celik might have been shown a Europa League red card against AC Milan last week, the 27-year-old is free to feature. Notching 11 goals across all competitions since opening the New Year, ex-Juventus ace Paulo Dybala will spearhead Roma’s charge on Monday evening.

Bologna

As for the visitors, only continuing on what has been a real domestic fairytale this season, Bologna have cemented their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages. Sat firmly in pole position to clinch a stunning Champions League ticket this season, the Greyhounds have now suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 straight Serie A appearances – a purple patch that stems all the way back to January 14th. With Thiago Motta’s budding reputation at a red-hot high, Bologna have also gained a real reputation for their defensive still. Opening April with a routine 3-0 win against Salernitana, Motta’s high-flying squad have recorded four clean sheets on the bounce. Likewise, it should also be highlighted, the Greyhounds have shipped just a single goal in over 400 minutes of action.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance this season, former Lille defender Adam Soumaoro remains on the sidelines. Missing back-to-back appearances over the past fortnight and still suffering from a recent knock, it remains to be seen if Denmark international Jens Odgaard will feature on Monday evening.

After serving a one-match domestic suspension against Monza last week, AC Milan loanee Alexis Saelemaekers could make a full return here. Heavily linked with a blockbuster Premier League switch this summer, former Bayern Munich starlet Joshua Zirkzee will spearhead Motta’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Roma and Bologna met for their reverse Serie A showdown on December 17th, the Greyhounds collected a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
• Roma have won all of their previous six consecutive appearances at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Bologna have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 Serie A appearances on the bounce.
• The Greyhounds have recorded a clean sheet in all of their previous four Serie A outings.
• Roma have not conceded a single goal at the Stadio Olimpico since back on February 26th.

Conclusion

Two sides who are sat in the driving seat to punch a Champions League ticket this season, we could be set for a season-defining showdown on Monday evening. While Roma might be in the midst of a major purple patch, De Rossi’s side will be more than aware that they face a major challenge here. In a contest between two camps who have continued to receive a reputation for their defensive steel, we are expecting chances to come at a premium.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster