Italian Serie A preview: Bologna FC Vs. AS Roma
Rossoblu going strong
Bologna finished last season in 17th spot - a single place above the relegation zone - and not much was expected of them this term. With hardly any reinforcements to the squad, many expected the men in red and blue to fight for survival. However,
Marco Di Vaio’s goal scoring exploits have dragged Felsinei into 13thplace in the league, just two points off ninth placed Sampdoria.
As things stand, Bologna have accumulated 25 points from 21 games. Coach http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alberto-c4309 Malesani will want his troops to reach the psychological mark of 40 points at the earliest.
Rossoblu have an excellent home record. Only league leaders AC Milan have taken maximum points off the Rossoblu at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Bologna thrashed high flying Lazio by a 3–1 score line at the weekend. Malesani will want to repeat the trick with
Aquile’s Roman rivals.
Pressure on Giallorossi
After having a disastrous start to the season, Roma were expected to struggle in the league. Many even predicted a Europa league finish. However, Lupi staged a heroic comeback – just like we have come to expect of the Romans – and are currently occupying
the fourth and last Champions League berth.
Claudio Ranieri had publicly ruled his team out of the Scudetto race on many occasions, but it’s no secret that a Scudetto challenge is Rosella Sensi’s primary objective. With AC Milan winning their game last night, Roma are nine points off the pace with
a game to play. Ranieri must earn three precious points if the wolves are to stay within touching distance of Milan.
Giallorossi have a weak away record as they have won just thee times in 11 away games. It’s time for Ranieri and his men to change that.
Team News
Bologna Calcio
Gaston Ramirez is the sole injury concern for Rossoblu. However, Malesani will not be able to depend on the services of Diego Perez, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vangelis-Moras-c35901 who are all suspended for this game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marco-Di-Vaio-c23689 will be the lone striker in Malesani’s 4-1-4-1 formation that will look to dominate the midfield.
AS Roma
Claudio Ranieri has never been lucky with injuries – in fact, no Roma manager has – and it’s no different this time. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Pizarro-c10581 are out injured, and will miss the trip to Bologna. To make matters worse, the
mercurial http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jeremy-Menez-c18345 will have to watch this game from the stands as he is suspended.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marco-Borriello-c23672 will play upfront in Ranieri’s magical 4-3-1-2 formation.
Key Players
Marco Di Vaio
Bologna’s captain fantastic has scored 12 league goals this term. Di Vaio clipped Aquile wings last week with a brace, and the skipper will look to do the same against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lazio-c39775’s arch-rivals. Philippe Mexes and company will have to be on their toes at all times
if they are to leave Stadio Renato Dall’Ara with a result.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniele-De-Rossi-c10112
On current form, Roma’s Il Capitano Futuro is undoubtedly the best defensive midfielder in the world. Tackles, running, passing, vision and a heart the bleeds Roma, there isn’t a player more important to the club than De Rossi. After a mediocre season last
term, De Rossi has rediscovered his form. His influence in a crowded midfield will be critical for the Giallorossi cause.
Prediction
The game will be a cagey affair with Bologna looking to soak up Giallorossi pressure and punish the Romans on the counter attack. However, Roma’s superior quality will earn Ranieri three precious points. AS http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 should win the game by a 1–0 score line.
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