Roma remain slight favourites to progress, but Bologna's home first leg and likely Europa League prioritisation make this a tight tie. Punters could back Roma to advance on aggregate while targeting low-scoring markets (under 2.5 goals) or a narrow first-leg result for value.
Bologna vs Roma: Europa League Round of 16 Dates and Venues
The Round of 16 tie Roma-Bologna opens on Thursday, March 12 at Bologna's Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, with the return leg at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, March 19. UEFA will confirm kick-off times.
Path to the Quarter-finals: Lille or Aston Villa Await
The winner of this all-Italian tie will face the victor between Lille and Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. If Bologna progress, they are set to play the second leg of any subsequent round at home — a small logistical advantage for the Rossoblu.
Fixture Congestion and Tactical Stakes
Before the first leg, Roma travel to Genoa in Serie A while Bologna host Verona. The Serie A round sandwiched between the two Europa League legs then sees Roma away at Como and Bologna away at Sassuolo. That calendar squeeze shapes selection decisions and fitness management for both clubs.
What the Domestic Table Means
Bologna sit well adrift of European qualification domestically — roughly nine points below a Conference League berth — which increases the likelihood they prioritise the Europa League. Roma, by contrast, occupy a Champions League spot and hold a four-point cushion over Juventus, limiting their margin for rotation.
Recent Meetings and Momentum
The sides have met once in Serie A this season, a 1-0 victory for Roma at the Olimpico. The domestic return is scheduled for the weekend of April 26, more than a month after the European fixtures, so form and fitness across both competitions will be important variables.
Betting Angles and Market Notes
Roma are marginal favourites to advance given squad depth and their league position, but expect a tight, tactical tie. Punters might consider:
- Roma to qualify on aggregate as the primary play.
- Under 2.5 goals for the first leg or the tie overall, reflecting likely cautious tactics.
- Value in a narrow first-leg result (home win for Bologna or a draw) rather than a high-margin Roma victory.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Bettors
This is a high-stakes knockout tie with contrasting priorities: Bologna can target Europa League glory, while Roma must juggle a Champions League push.
Bologna’s Marco Di Vaio: “We would have preferred to avoid Roma.”
The fixture list, home advantage in the opener for Bologna, and recent 1-0 meeting point to a close, low-scoring affair that could be decided by margins rather than dominance.
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