Bologna Focuses on Roma Clash Amidst Serie A Duties

Bologna is prioritizing its upcoming Europa League clash against Roma, despite a recent Serie A match against Sassuolo. The team aims to overcome a recent home defeat and capitalize on the opportunity to advance in the European competition, with a significant contingent of fans expected to travel to Rome for the return leg.

Europa League Takes Center Stage

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano admits he would have preferred a different draw in the Europa League, but is focused on identifying and exploiting Roma’s weaknesses. Football Italia reports that Italiano acknowledged the importance of the match, stating Bologna hopes to “tease some weaknesses out of them tomorrow.” The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Europe’s hopes intact but draining energy.

Serie A Match as Preparation

The match against Sassuolo on March 15, 2026, is viewed as a necessary step, but secondary to the Europa League tie. Only 1,458 Bologna fans made the trip to Reggio Emilia, indicating the team’s and supporters’ focus is on the upcoming match against Roma. The ranking adds a pinch of salt to today’s challenge: Bologna, eighth with 39 points, precedes Sassuolo by just one point.

Team News and Potential Lineups

Italiano is expected to rotate the squad for the Sassuolo match, giving rest to key players like Lucumi and Castro. Vitik and Dallinga are likely to feature, with Moro and Sohm potentially starting in midfield due to Ferguson’s suspension. Yahoo Sports notes that Italiano is not looking past the first leg, and will refocus on Serie A after Thursday’s match.

Probable Lineups:

• Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric, Walukiewiz, Muharemovic, Idzes, Garcia, Thorstvedt, Matic, Konè, Berardi, Pinamonti, Laurienté
• Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski, Luck, Vitik, Casale, Miranda, Sohm, Moro, Odgaard, Orsolini, Dallinga, Cambiaghi

Injury Concerns

Bologna faces a potential setback with goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski sustaining a muscle injury during the match against Sassuolo. Chiamarsi Bomber reports that Skorupski finished the game despite the pain, but his availability for the return leg against Roma is in doubt.

Match Details

The match between Sassuolo and Bologna is being played at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia and broadcast live on DAZN. The referee is Bonacina from Bergamo.