Bologna vs AS Roma prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-12-16 17:00.
Only goal difference separates Bologna and Roma in the Serie A (SA) table, with this season marking the first time in the three points for a win era that the pair have both had at least 25 points after 15 matchdays. Bologna will now hope to pull clear of Roma in their unlikely quest for European football, something they appear well placed to do so after winning their last four SA home games.
There is one huge stumbling block for the hosts to overcome though, as they haven’t scored a SA goal against Roma in 325 minutes. If they’re to break that duck here, then goals aren’t likely to be free-flowing, as the last five H2Hs between these two sides have yielded just three goals in total, which would hint that the first goal could be key in deciding the outcome.
With his contract due to expire in June, questions remain about what Roma boss José Mourinho’s next step will be. In the meantime, he’s certainly helping his cause to pen a new deal, with Roma in the midst of a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions (W3, D3), a streak which extended in midweek with a 3-0 UEFA Europa League (UEL) victory against Sheriff.
While they’ve had less time to rest and prepare for this clash due to that midweek game, it hasn’t been something that has hindered Roma too much this season given they’ve lost just one of their five games to immediately follow UEL action (W2, D2). Complications do come for Roma in the fact this game comes on the road, with their paltry tally of just three wins from their last 16 SA away games (D5, L8) highlighting a clear area for improvement.
Players to watch: Out for another early say on proceedings, Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson has opened the scoring in two of their last three SA home games. Roma’s Andrea Belotti may deputise in the absence of the suspended Romelu Lukaku, with six of his last seven goals arriving before the hour mark.
Hot stat: Roma have lost just one of their last 16 Sunday-held SA games (W10, D5).