Gian Piero Gasperini is poised to make his Serie A managerial debut for AS Roma in a significant clash against Bologna. For this pivotal fixture, it is widely anticipated that Evan Ferguson will be named in the starting eleven, while prominent attacking players Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk are expected to begin the match on the substitutes` bench.
This eagerly awaited encounter is scheduled to kick off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at Rome`s iconic Stadio Olimpico, with a sold-out crowd expected to create an electric atmosphere.
Reports from leading Italian sports publications, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport, consistently suggest that Gasperini intends to utilize Dybala and Dovbyk as impact substitutes. Instead, Evan Ferguson, on loan from Brighton, is tipped to spearhead the Giallorossi attack, supported by the creative talents of Neil El Aynaoui and Matias Soulé playing behind him.
Addressing fitness concerns, Gasperini had previously indicated on Saturday that Dybala was not in condition to play the full 90 minutes. This left open the possibility of him either starting or coming off the bench. Current consensus among Italian media points towards the latter, with Dybala likely to be introduced later in the game.
Roma faces several key absences for this match: Lorenzo Pellegrini and Leon Bailey are sidelined due to injuries, and Zeki Celik is unavailable as he serves a one-game suspension.
Bologna returns to the Stadio Olimpico, a venue that holds special significance for them, having celebrated a memorable Coppa Italia triumph against AC Milan there just three months ago.
For the visitors, Italy international Ciro Immobile is expected to lead their offensive line. Bologna will be without Emil Holm due to injury, and Juan Miranda is suspended for the fixture.
Where to Watch Roma vs Bologna on TV
Fans wishing to tune into the live broadcast of this Serie A clash can do so on DAZN in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and on Paramount+ for viewers located in the United States of America.
Probable Starting Line-ups
Here are the anticipated starting elevens for both teams, based on the latest information from Italian sources:
- AS Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Ndicka; Wesley, Koné, Cristante, Angelino; El Aynaoui; Soulé, Ferguson.
- Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; De Silvestri, Vitík, Lucumí, Lykogiannis; Pobega, Freuler; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Immobile.
