Serie A 2025-2026: Bologna-Roma, the likely lineups
At 6 p.m. at the Dall’Ara, the spotlight is on Bologna v Roma. The Felsinei, as stated by coach Vincenzo Italiano, have little else to ask of the season with their exit from the Europa League at the hands of Aston Villa and with a gap in the league such that they cannot achieve any qualification to a European competition.
In this scenario, the challenge at the Dall’Ara nevertheless takes the shape of a test of professionalism to close the year with dignity. Bologna is called to a test of character to honor the commitment in front of its fans, against a Roma still in the running for the Champions zone.
In the Roma household, however, the climate is on the edge of maximum tension. Claudio Ranieri’s abrupt farewell is interpreted by many as a sign of deep uncertainty, a factor that turns the trip to Bologna into a real last resort: to continue chasing the Champions League dream, victory is the only permissible result.
Last day’s half-hearted misstep in the draw against Atalanta has slowed the Giallorossi’s chase, who now find themselves chasing Juventus (5 points away) and Milan (8 points away). With the direct clash between the Bianconeri and Rossoneri scheduled for tomorrow, the Capitoline team has the obligation to take advantage of the turn to shorten the distance, knowing that any other result than three points would, in all likelihood, sanction the definitive surrender in the high ranking ambitions.
Gasperini rejoins Dybala and Wesley: the Argentine will initially sit on the bench, while the Brazilian will return to preside over the left lane, with Celik confirmed on the opposite side. The weight of the attack will be given to Malen, supported on the three-quarter by the Soulé-El Shaarawy tandem. In the box, alongside Cristante, the young Pisilli will act again, given the unavailability of the injured Koné. The back pack, on the other hand, will be the standard one, with the trio composed of Mancini, Hermoso and N’Dicka protecting the goal defended by Svilar.
On the Felsinean front, Bernardeschi’s absence will weigh heavily due to the injury for which he may consider his season already closed; in his place will take the field Orsolini, who will go to compose the offensive trident together with Castro, in the central reference role, and Rowe, currently ahead in the ballot with Cambiaghi. As for the goal, the unavailability of former Skorupski forces changes: between the posts should be Pessina, favored in the duel with Ravaglia for a starting jersey.
Probable formations
BOLOGNA (4-3-3): Pessina; Joao Mario, Heggem, Lucumi, Miranda; Pobega, Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Castro, Rowe. All. Italiano.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, N’Dicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, El Shaarawy; Malen. All. Gasperini.
