📢 What to expect from the Serie A opening match between Roma and Bologna? Last season, these teams finished close to each other, with just seven points separating them at the end. Over the summer, both squads underwent significant changes, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this clash. Roma have revamped their coaching staff and conducted a focused transfer campaign, strengthening key positions as they aim to compete for a Champions League spot once again. Bologna, on the other hand, have lost several key players, making their prospects uncertain, though they remain capable of causing problems for any opponent. The match will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Head-to-Head

📊 In their head-to-head encounters, the "Wolves" hold the advantage. Out of 37 meetings, Roma have claimed victory 17 times, Bologna have come out on top in 9 instances, and 11 matches have ended in draws. The last clash took place on January 12 and concluded with a 2-2 draw. It was a truly balanced game, with Roma snatching a draw only in the 90+8 minute when Artem Dovbyk converted a penalty. This moment was a fitting end to a tense match where neither side dominated.

Roma Team Overview

🟡 Last season, the Romans had a rough start: inconsistent performances and a string of poor results led the management to sack two coaches. It was only with the arrival of Claudio Ranieri that the team found balance and confidence, allowing them to make a swift climb up the table and finish the league in fifth place, just one point shy of a Champions League spot.

📌 The preseason preparations have given fans a sense of optimism. In six friendly matches, the Wolves secured four victories with just one loss. The sole significant setback against Aston Villa (0-4) seemed more like a fluke—everything went right for the English side, while Roma's performance wasn't as poor as the scoreline suggested.

🔁 Ahead of the new season, significant changes have taken place at the club. First, Gian Piero Gasperini has taken the helm, tasked with building on Ranieri's positive groundwork and introducing his tactical ideas. Second, the squad has undergone noticeable changes: player sales brought in around €50 million, and nearly the same amount was reinvested in new signings. The standout transfer is 21-year-old Brazilian right-back Wesley, acquired from Flamengo for €25 million. He is seen as a long-term solution to a problematic position, expected to add speed and versatility to the team's attack.

Bologna Team Overview

🔴 Bologna remain an enigmatic team. Last season, the Rossoblù took a step back compared to the previous one, finishing only ninth in Serie A. However, the club made up for it with a standout victory in the Coppa Italia, defeating Milan 1-0 in the final. This triumph was the highlight of their season and gave fans something to be proud of.

📌 Their preseason preparations have raised more questions than answers. The results were inconsistent: three wins were interspersed with two defeats. The team managed to beat a solid Stuttgart (1-0) but also suffered a loss to the less formidable OFI (2-4). This rollercoaster form only underscores Bologna's current instability and the unpredictability of their form at the start of the season.

🔁 The summer transfer window was a disappointment for fans. The club lost two key players: Dan Ndoye, who departed for €42 million, and Sam Beukema, sold for €31 million. These losses have significantly weakened the team. Yes, Bologna did invest around €35 million in new signings, but it's hard to call these acquisitions a true strengthening of the squad—they seem more like patchwork solutions rather than genuine upgrades.

Latest news

Roma

📣 AS Roma's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini noted in early August that the team is still coming together, but several positions need strengthening: "Some roles still need to be filled, but overall the team is taking shape. Much will depend on how strong our attacking potential turns out to be—it could define the overall strength of our squad. This isn't just about us; look at other clubs—the biggest investments are made in the attacking line. Teams with the best forwards are the most competitive."

🚫 Roma face a challenging situation with their squad. The club cannot rely on Mehmet Zeki Celik, who is serving a suspension following a red card from last season. Additionally, Leon Bailey and Lorenzo Pellegrini remain sidelined as they recover from muscle injuries, with both expected to return to the pitch around early September.

Bologna

📣 Head coach Vincenzo Italiano highlighted the quality of their opponents ahead of the match and urged his players to approach the game with utmost seriousness: "I told the guys we must treat this match like a Champions League clash because, to me, Roma are a Champions League-level team."

🚫 Bologna are also dealing with significant squad issues. Juan Miranda is serving a suspension after being sent off at the end of last season. Additionally, Emil Holm is sidelined with a thigh injury and isn't expected back until late September. This leaves the team with limited options in defense, which could impact their stability in the upcoming fixtures.

⚽️ Goal Predictions

⚽️ Goal Predictions

In recent years, head-to-head clashes between Roma and Bologna have rarely been low-scoring affairs. In their last three encounters, at least four goals were consistently scored, with both teams finding the net at least once. Adding to this picture is the clubs' pre-season form: both Roma and Bologna have regularly found ways to score in almost every friendly match, showing a tendency to take the initiative and push forward. A bet on both teams to score (yes) seems quite reasonable here.

🚩 Corner Predictions

Last season, matches between Roma and Bologna were not characterized by a high number of corners. In both league meetings, the teams failed to surpass the 10-corner mark: the first match saw only 7 corners, while the second had 9. Their head-to-heads rarely result in a flurry of set pieces, even with the abundance of goals. Given this trend, a bet on total corners under 9.5 appears well-founded.