Match for the first round of the Serie A, at Stadio Olimpico, home of Roma.
What We Know
- Roma are the team with the most all-time draws in Serie A openers (29).
- Bologna have not won any of their last 3 league openers, losing 2 and drawing 1.
- The last three duels between the two saw BTTS and Over 3.5 goals scored.
- Roma were very formidable at home last season, finishing the campaign on a 12-game unbeaten streak (10 wins).
- Bologna's final four games of last season ended with BTTS.
Betting Tip Roma – Bologna
Roma added significant talent to their squad in the transfer market without losing anyone but Saelemakers, and they put together encouraging performances in the preseason. Bologna, on the other hand, have been underwhelming so far, making Roma our pick to win.
- Prediction: Roma to win
- Odds: 2.08 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 6
Roma
Roma came very close to a remarkable turnaround in the second half of last season, nearly qualifying for the Champions League. They will instead compete in the Europa League, despite spending some of last season just two points above the relegation zone. At that point, veteran manager Claudio Ranieri took over and led Roma to a stunning run that brought them fifth, just one point below Juventus.
Ranieri left his position as manager and instead continues in an administrative position, replaced by another veteran manager. After nine very successful seasons with Atalanta, Giampiero Gasperini is off to new adventures. His first transfers include left back Wesley from Flamengo and forward Ferguson from Brighton. Their most important departure was that of wing-back Saelemaekers, who headed to AC Milan.
The preseason was rather positive, including wins over Cannes (3-0), Lens (2-0) and Everton (1-0), despite losing to Aston Villa (4-0).
Bologna
Bologna’s last few years represent one of the most successful stretches of their history. They finished the second-to-last season in fifth place while participating in the Champions League, while last season found them ninth, and they managed to win the Coppa Italia. Thanks to that, they will participate in this season’s Europa League.
Vincenzo Italiano will remain at the helm for a second consecutive season and has been vocal about his desire for transfer reinforcements, respect for his attacking line.
To meet his demands, the team added forward Immobile on a free from Besiktas, alongside winger Bernadeschi (Toronto) and central defenders Heggem (West Brom) and Vitik (Sparta Prague). They did, however, part ways with winger Ndoye and central defender Beukema.
Bologna troubled their fans with their preseason performances, showing serious defensive issues. Indicative of that is the fact that they conceded six goals against mid-table Greek sides, 2 from Levadiakos in a win (3-2) and 4 from OFI Crete in a loss (4-2).
