Bologna and Roma will face off in a crucial Europa League last-16 tie at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Thursday, marking their first meeting since an earlier encounter in the same competition. The match is a pivotal step for both teams as they aim to advance to the quarter-finals, where they could face either Lille or Aston Villa. Bologna, making their first UEFA knockout tie appearance in 26 years after defeating SK Brann 1-0 in both legs of a playoff, are seeking to build on that momentum. The Emilian club has remained unbeaten in their last nine league matches, matching their all-time best unbeaten streak in European competition. A draw in this match would surpass a record set in 1967, though coach Vincenzo Italiano will target a first-leg lead to set up a favorable second-leg scenario. Bologna’s campaign has been mixed this season, with a 10th-place finish in Serie A forcing them into the Europa League playoffs. While they ended a 51-year Coppa Italia drought last season, this year’s progress has been less consistent. A mid-season slump saw them struggle for points and exit the Coppa Italia, but recent performances have shown signs of recovery. Despite climbing to eighth in Serie A, they trail their next opponents by 12 points, making a Europa League triumph their best hope for European glory. Their recent history against Roma is favorable, with only one loss in the last six meetings, though the Giallorossi narrowly defeated them 1-0 earlier this season. Roma, meanwhile, have maintained a strong Europa League record, winning their last six first-leg matches in the competition. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who led Atalanta to the 2023 Europa League title, brings experience to the table, though Roma’s recent continental campaign ended in a last-16 exit despite a 2-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao.#gian_piero_gasperini #roma #bologna #vincenzo_italiano #stadio_renato_dall_ara
