Roma arrive at Bologna with a depleted attack but Donyell Malen now available, so punters should expect cautious markets — consider Roma to progress at narrow odds or a Both Teams To Score + under 3.5 goals market. Hermoso’s fitness uncertainty and several attacking absences make match lines volatile and favourable for value bets on low-scoring outcomes or Roma to edge it on slim margins.
Gasperini: “We’re not prioritising Serie A” ahead of Europa League trip to Bologna
Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma will not sacrifice one competition for another as they head to the Stadio Dall’Ara for Thursday’s Europa League first-leg tie with Bologna (17:45 GMT / 18:45 CET). The second leg is scheduled for the Stadio Olimpico next week, with only one Italian club guaranteed a quarter-final spot.
Injury and suspension list leaves selection headache
Roma will be without suspended defender Gianluca Mancini and a string of injured attackers: Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson. Mario Hermoso is included in the squad but his match readiness is uncertain after a recent layoff. Gasperini confirmed Hermoso could start or come off the bench depending on how he feels.
Gasperini on Italian teams’ European struggles
Gasperini highlighted a broader issue with Italian clubs in Europe, suggesting the problem is not purely tactical but rooted deeper in youth development and squad construction. He urged all stakeholders to examine why recent continental results and national team form have dipped.
Roma’s priorities and match-by-match focus
Asked whether Serie A or the Europa League takes precedence, Gasperini stressed that every match deserves full attention. Recent weeks included a Coppa Italia run, but he rejected the idea of deliberately lowering standards in any competition, saying performance dips may happen but never by choice.
January signings and attacking options
The January arrivals have boosted Roma’s offensive options, most notably Donyell Malen, who will appear in the Europa League after being cup-tied earlier in the season. Gasperini credited Malen with increasing the team’s scoring threat and giving Roma “something extra” despite losing several frontline players to injury.
Rotation and support roles
With Dybala and Soulé sidelined, Roma have had to rotate players in the attacking support roles. Lorenzo Pellegrini has featured regularly in those positions, while Lorenzo Venturino, Robinio Vaz and Stephan El Shaarawy are among those who can step in. Gasperini noted Bryan Zaragoza will need time to adapt after joining only a month ago.
Tactical implications and match outlook
Expect Gasperini to balance caution with intent: a side forced to rotate in attack may look more conservative early on, relying on Malen for direct threat while attempts are made to maintain control in midfield. Hermoso’s potential return could shore up the defence, but fitness doubts mean adjustments are likely during the match.
Betting and tactical angles to watch
The combination of Roma’s depleted but reinforced attack and Hermoso’s uncertain fitness should keep markets tight.
Official Roma squad for Europa League battle with Bologna
Punters may find value in low-scoring lines, narrow Roma victories or both-teams-to-score markets. Monitor starting XI news close to kick-off for shifts in odds.
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