Roma vs Bologna
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 6th November 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome).
Roma's four-game winning run was snapped by bottom three team Empoli after they were held to a goalless draw on the road at the Carlo Castellani Stadium last Sunday, as per BBC Sport.
La Maggica controlled 65 percent of ball possessions throughout the game and had 23 shots and six shots on target compared to Empoli's eight and three, but the visitors still failed to convert a goal.
It was the second drawn match for head coach Luciano Spalletti's side this season after a 2-2 tie with newly-promoted club Cagliari in the second round back in August. It was also the second time I Giallorossi was shutout in a match this term since they were nipped by Fiorentina, 0-1, in the middle of September.
The draw still earned Roma a point, however, but kept the club four points behind defending champions and current league leaders Juventus in the overall standings.
Meanwhile, Bologna suffered its sixth straight winless game as the 10-man squad lost to rising team Fiorentina, 1-0, at their own home ground of Renato Dall'Ara Stadium last Saturday, Goal reported.
Italian defender Daniele Gastaldello was booked with a direct red card and was sent off in the 29th minute after fouling Fiorentina forward Nikola Kalinic inside the penalty area.
Kalinic converted the ensuing spot kick to break the deadlock, which proved to be the winning goal as both sides went scoreless after that.
It was the second loss for head coach Roberto Donadoni's squad as the team was held to a draw in the other four matches of the previous six rounds.
Roma vs Bologna: Head-to-head statistics
Roma are unbeaten in 15 out of their last 16 meetings with Bologna across all competitions.
The Giallorossi have a 100 per cent record at home in Serie A so far this season
Bologna have drawn their past three away games.
The Rossoblu are also winless in their last six matches.
Roma have seen over 2.5 goals in their past six home Serie A matches.
The Lupi have netted at least three goals in five out of their last six home games.
Bologna have won two, drawn seven, and lost 11 out of their last 20 away games against teams ranked higher than them in the table
Roma vs Bologna: Prediction
Bologna, despite their woes, have managed to score in all of their away games so far. That’s bound to cause Roma some issues, as the Giallorossi still can’t seem to keep a clean sheet. In fact, they have only Even their win over Austria Wien was a lot more nervy than Spalletti would have liked, and in the first leg, they led 3-1 only to concede two late goals to draw 3-3.
They’re also facing an injury crisis of sorts at the moment, with five defenders out, making Spalletti’s selection that much more difficult. That being said, the form that the Lupi are in right now will surely see them through against a Bologna side whose bad form certainly isn’t helped by their injuries that have plagued them this season. A relatively comfortable win for Roma is on the cards, albeit keeping a clean sheet will be quite tough.
Roma vs Bologna: Betting tips
Both teams to score – YES at 4/5 (1.80)
Over 2.5 goals at 2/5 (1.40).
