English prospect Jonathan Rowe has become an increasingly key figure for Bologna, particularly in the Europa League, as the Rossoblu prepare to face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.
The England U21 European champion only started four Serie A matches in the first half of the campaign, spending six of the opening 17 league games entirely on the bench.
However, it was only a matter of time before the Englishman showed his ability on the field.
The new year started with an assist in a home 2-1 loss against Fiorentina on January 18. A few days later, he scored his first goal for the Rossoblu in a 2-2 home draw against Celtic in the Europa League.
Since then, Rowe has started four Europa League games out of five and six of the last eight league matches
After a very quiet start to the season, Rowe has grabbed five goals and four assists across all competitions for Bologna, all in 2026.
The product of the AFC Wembley academy has been particularly efficient in the Europa League, with three goals and two assists in 10 games this term.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rowe’s performances have contributed to Bologna’s historic qualification for the Europa League quarter-finals, where they’ll meet Aston Villa.
These two sides have already met twice in the last two seasons, both times in Birmingham.
Aston Villa secured a 2-0 win in the Champions League group stage in October 2024, followed by a 1-0 victory in this season’s Europa League group stage in September 2025.
Show game, Cambiaghi goal: Aston Villa in the quarter-finals
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Europa League: The Rossoblu win 4-3 at the Olimpico after 120 minutes: they are into the quarter-finals
Fantastic Bologna: Roma go home
Rowe breaks the deadlock, Ndicka replies, then Bernardeschi and Castro score. Gasp’s comeback with Malen and Pellegrini. Cambiaghi decides it with a counter-attack at minute 111. On April 9, Vincenzo will face Aston Villa.
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Gian Piero Gasperini admits Roma showed ‘our best and worst’ in the Europa League exit to Bologna, but also pointed to the lack of alternatives. ‘I dreamed of repeating certain attacking situations’ from Atalanta.
The Giallorossi were always chasing this tie, both in the first leg that ended 1-1, then here coming back from 3-1 down to force extra time with goals from Evan Ndicka, Donyell Malen and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“It was certainly a fascinating match, naturally we leave it with great regret, because we saw us at our best and our worst tonight,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“The best was almost the entire game, the worst was in the goals we conceded, which meant we were always chasing the comeback, despite doing some really good things. It’s a pity that after this performance, we also made these mistakes.”
The defensive errors saw Bologna surge into a 3-1 lead, although Gasperini reserved criticism also for Gianluca Mancini’s complaints after a tussle with Rowe for the opening goal.
“Mancini stayed down after a shirt tug, so Rowe was free to go forward. It was an anomalous situation, but unfortunately, we were naïve.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates his side’s first goal scored by Evan Ndicka of AS Roma (not pictured) during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma’s difficult spell therefore continues, as now they are without a win in five competitive games and slipped down from fourth to sixth in the Serie A table.
“When you reach this stage of the season, the levels go up, so does the pressure, and the fatigue makes itself felt too. This is a team that has spirit, because it conceded with a penalty just before half-time, it came back from 3-1 down, it felt like the momentum was behind us,” noted Gasperini.
“When you make mistakes like this, then you can lose games, that’s clear.”
Manu Koné went off injured in the opening minutes, yet Gasperini made only two substitutions in the 90 minutes, then four overall out of a possible six, because there is a bonus slot in extra time.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Santiago Castro of Bologna is challenged by Manu Kone of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The options in attack were limited in the absence of Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, while Lorenzo Venturino is not on the UEFA list.
“In extra time, there was some fatigue, but we couldn’t make changes. Bologna put on three quick and fresh strikers, so it was tough. Clearly, if you are missing four or five players all in the same section of the squad, you will suffer in the long run.
“Despite that, we have brought in an extraordinary Malen who has made our attacks a lot more dangerous. In the first half of the season, we found goals from various different players, but the lack of attacking options is something we’ve been carrying since the start of the season.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, and Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, pose for a photo prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gasperini won the Europa League trophy with Atalanta, but has found the shift to Roma very different, including tension behind the scenes with the club forming this squad.
“I came to Roma with the dream of repeating certain attacking situations, but due to injuries or not being able to sign players with those characteristics, we never quite managed to recreate that. Nonetheless, my players have always put in so much effort, including tonight.
“Over the last week or so, against Como and Bologna, I cannot complain too much about my players, as they put in a strong performance.”
Another January signing made an impression this evening, as Robinio Vaz came off the bench and constantly troubled Jhon Lucumi, winning a penalty too.
“Undoubtedly, he is very young and a big investment, which weighs on him because of the expectations. He needs time to grow, but has vivacity and strength, he can be useful, but in order to aim higher, you need players with more experience and pedigree.”
Vincenzo Italiano insists Roma ‘are superior in every way, but Bologna climbed a mountain’ to set up a Europa League quarter-final clash with Aston Villa. ‘We’ll be the underdogs there too.’
The Rossoblu will face Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final, and go in as underdogs, but that was also the case in this all-Italian derby with Roma.
“We have already faced Aston Villa on their turf twice, so we go in again knowing that we are the underdogs, but we’ll prepare something and try to do something else extraordinary,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
The first leg will be at the Stadio Dall’Ara on April 9, with the decider at Villa Park a week later.
Italiano hails Bologna coup in Eternal City
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, and Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, pose for a photo prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“You saw the atmosphere in the stadium from the start, we were against a strong side and I said our odds were 49-51 to go through, but we managed to turn them around and continue in an important European competition.
“The match was wonderful, we are truly happy to come here and do what we did, which was climb the mountain. I can only congratulate the lads for an extraordinary performance, as winning in this atmosphere against this Roma side was a genuine achievement.”
They were never behind in this tie at any point, conceding the equaliser for a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Stadio Dall’Ara, then going in front here too with Jonathan Rowe’s scorcher.
Bologna were even 3-1 up at the Stadio Olimpico through Federico Bernardeschi’s penalty and Santiago Castro, only to fumble it for 3-3 and go into extra time.
Here too, fresh legs were decisive with Nicolò Cambiaghi off the bench to squeeze in the finish from the tightest of angles.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We struggled in the first 20 minutes to keep the pressure on Roma, but then we started to take hold in their half and begin to do more of what we had prepared,” continued Italiano.
“Once you get into extra time, it’s first goal wins, and we managed to get the goal.”
The Stadio Olimpico is confirmed as a positive venue for Bologna, who already had wild celebrations here last year when beating Milan in the Coppa Italia Final to lift their first piece of silverware for 51 years.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Nikola Moro of Bologna celebrates after the team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Italiano clearly also has a special affinity with Cup competitions, as he also took Fiorentina to two Conference League Finals and a Coppa Italia Final before coming to Bologna.
“I just try to honour each competition in the best possible way, have the right spirit, preparation, and utmost effort. It’s not a very long path in these tournaments, so you try to find strategies to cause problems for opponents, even if they are of a higher quality on paper.
“We got through a tough league phase, won a difficult play-off, and today beat a team that is superior to us in every way. However, playing your cards in the best way brings you to these results.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Players of Bologna pose for a photo as they celebrate after the team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bologna players are still celebrating under the section of away supporters in the stands while Italiano is giving his interviews.
“I had to rush back and leave the lads during their celebration, because since I had that pneumonia, the doctor wants me to immediately get back where it’s warm and wrap up,” smiled Italiano.
The coach spent some of the season having to direct his team’s training sessions remotely, as he was hospitalised for a week with pneumonia.
The Giallorossi were never leading at any point over the two legs of this Round of 16 tie, as Lorenzo Pellegrini equalised after the Federico Bernardeschi opener at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
When it came to the second leg, Jonathan Rowe had put Bologna in front, then after Evan Ndicka’s opener, the visitors surged 3-1 up through Bernardeschi and Santiago Castro.
Roma managed to force extra time with Donyell Malen’s spot-kick and another Pellegrini strike, but Nicolò Cambiaghi sealed it to send Bologna through to the Europa League quarter-final against Aston Villa.
Cristante recognises Roma errors
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Donyell Malen of AS Roma scores his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We shouldn’t have conceded all these goals. We went behind, we did so well to get back into it, seemed in control during extra time and ready to score the decisive goal, but instead it went the other way,” Cristante told Sky Sport Italia.
When Roma players went over to the Curva Sud to salute the fans after the final whistle, but the ultras jeered and reacted angrily, telling them not to bother.
“We are all disappointed to be out of the competition, the fans let us hear their disappointment. It’s tough, because we had got it back on track, we were convinced we had the right approach, but we lost,” added Cristante.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Niccolo Pisilli during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma’s difficult spell therefore continues, as now they are without a win in five competitive games and slipped down from fourth to sixth in the Serie A table.
Are they struggling with the injury crisis and starting to feel fatigue from having the same players in every match?
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates his side’s first goal scored by Evan Ndicka of AS Roma (not pictured) during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“You can feel fatigue at certain points of the season, but we were there, we were in the right position to get through to the next stage of the Europa League. We cannot complain about fatigue, we’ve just got to roll our sleeves up and keep going,” concluded Cristante.
Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Bologna forward Jonathan Rowe, for his delightful strike from the edge of the box to put the visitors 1-0 up, assist for his side’s third and threatening chance creation all evening, whilst Lorenzo Pellegrini also deserves credit for inspiring the Giallorossi’s comeback in the second half.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Best Roma player: Lorenzo Pellegrini – Came off the bench to inspire Roma’s second half comeback with a goal and an assist but it was ultimately not enough. Was called into action after Manu Kone’s injury in the 20th minute and helped his side in a way only an experienced player can.
Lowest Roma rating: Mile Svilar – Lacked a lot tonight in both his distribution and his shot-stopping. Conceded four times, albeit one from the penalty spot, and perhaps could have done better with at least one or two of them.
Coach: Gian Piero Gaspeirni 6 – No referee excuses to hide behind tonight, the coach was outclassed by his counterpart – despite introducing some excellent substitutes. Kone’s injury could have defined the tie but Pellegrini’s introduction was a real boon for the Giallorossi. However, ultimately beaten on the day by a more clinical team.
Best Bologna player: Jonathan Rowe – An electric performance from the Englishman before he was replaced with roughly twenty minutes to play. Picked up a goal and an assist today and was a real threat in-between the Roma lines. Gave his all and the coach rightly took him off when he looked out of steam.
Lowest Bologna rating: Remo Freuler – Gave away the penalty that inspired Roma’s comeback and will be relieved his side progressed in spite of it. Looked a little lacklustre aside from that, and was eventually taken off with six minutes left of extra-time after, to his credit, giving his all.
Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 7.5 – Outclassed Gasperini tonight, despite the second half scare. Took his team to the Stadio Olimpico, where they famously won the Coppa Italia last season, and helped inspire his side to a victory of nearly-equal importance.
Roma came back repeatedly to force the tie to extra time after a 3-3 thriller at the Stadio Olimpico, but Bologna will face Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final.
The first leg ended 1-1, so it was all to play for in this Italian derby for the chance to face Aston Villa in the quarter-final. Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson were still out injured, with Lorenzo Venturino not on the UEFA list, after just two draws in four competitive games. Lukasz Skorupski picked up an injury in the win at Sassuolo, so Federico Ravaglia took the Rossoblu gloves. The Stadio Olimpico is a special venue for Bologna, as they won the Coppa Italia here last season.
Santiago Castro went on a rapid counter-attack for the finish deflected wide by Zeki Celik, but Roma were forced into an early change when Manu Koné hobbled off the field with a muscular issue.
Moments later, Bologna took the lead when Jonathan Rowe smashed a ferocious effort into the roof of the net from the edge of the area, but Roma complained that the England striker had pushed Gianluca Mancini in the build-up, creating that gap through the centre of their defence.
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Svilar got down for a one-handed save on Federico Bernardeschi’s angled drive, but after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s free kick smacked against the top of the upright, it was scrambled out for a corner.
From this set play, Evan Ndicka rose in the crowd to nod in Roma’s equaliser from six yards.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Evan Ndicka of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Bryan Cristante during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Malen just failed to connect with a Mancini glancing header at the back post, while Svilar parried a Joao Mario attempt after a corner.
On the stroke of half-time, Stephan El Shaarawy bundled into the back of Nadir Zortea and the referee pointed to the spot. Bernardeschi sent Svilar the wrong way to convert and restore Bologna’s advantage.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Malen tested Ravaglia from the edge of the box after the restart, but it was Bologna who added another goal. Rowe chased down a bouncing ball, battling first with Bryan Cristante and then Ndicka to knock it down for Castro to smash a screamer into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
Roma were also awarded a penalty when Remo Freuler pressured Robinio Vaz, so Malen passed it precisely into the bottom corner past Ravaglia’s fingertips.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Donyell Malen of AS Roma scores his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Moments later, Ravaglia did get to the Pellegrini free kick at the near top corner, but was beaten when Vaz pulled back to the edge of the area where Pellegrini passed it into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left foot to draw it all level again.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Freuler’s weak finish was smothered by Svilar, while Wesley fired over on the half-volley, but they could not be separated and the tie went to extra time.
Ravaglia immediately flew to palm a Zeki Celik scorcher out from under the bar, while Pellegrini had to track back to stop Riccardo Orsolini going clear.
Bologna again went in front when Nicolò Cambiaghi completed a give and go with Thijs Dallinga to break into the box and drew out Svilar, his snooker shot of a finish going in off the inside of the near post to roll across the line.
Vaz had penalty appeals in the final moments, but he had a handful of Lucumi’s shirt instead and simply lost his balance.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Players of Bologna celebrate after the team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio has hailed the ‘wonderful journey’ his side have taken through the Europa League as they prepare for a vital second leg against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Di Vaio also singled out experienced forward Federico Bernardeschi as a source of inspiration for his younger teammates in what promises to be an exciting contest.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“He has experience with Juventus in these types of matches, where he performed very well, and so he can inspire his teammates in the crucial moments of the game. Those who have played in them, like him and Freuler, can help the younger players handle the pressure. Roma are a strong team.”
The first leg ended 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara, so a place in the Europa League quarter-final will all be decided this evening.
Whoever wins will go through to face either Aston Villa or Lille.
The Stadio Olimpico holds fond memories for Bologna, because this is where they beat Milan last season to win the Coppa Italia. It was the club’s first piece of silverware for 51 years and allowed them to qualify for the Europa League too.
Commenting on that match, Di Vaio said “We know it’s a completely different match, we have wonderful memories and we hope to relive them tonight.”
Bologna are coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 Serie A victory away to local rivals Sassuolo, but in that game lost goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski to injury. It means Federico Ravaglia steps in to take the gloves this evening.
Roma director Ricky Massara ‘can’t wait to experience’ the Europa League Round of 16 against Bologna, noting the trophy is ‘a target we want to aim for.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
The first leg ended 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara, so it’s winner takes all today for a place in the quarter-final against either Aston Villa or Lille.
Roma ready for Bologna test
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“This is a stadium that can really push the players, there is a great atmosphere, and it will be a wonderful event,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.
“We can’t wait to experience this match. Roma have a strong ambition in the Europa League, it is a target we want to aim for.
“There are many games to be played from here to the end, starting with a strong Bologna side, so this is going to be difficult.”
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Stephan El Shaarawy of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Genoa at Stadio Olimpico on January 17, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma have been going through a bit of a rough spell lately, managing only two draws from their last four competitive games and sliding down from fourth in the Serie A table to sixth.
Their progress in the Europa League therefore becomes particularly important, as winning the trophy represents another avenue into Champions League qualification.
“There will be strong motivation this evening from the crowd, but we also need to keep clear heads to deal with many dangers,” added Massara.
“We have confidence, we expect the experienced players to act as guides for the younger ones who aren’t as accustomed to this type of match.”
Roma look to Donyell Malen and Stephan El Shaarawy for the Europa League all-Italian derby, as Bologna trust Santiago Castro and Federico Bernardeschi.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Stephan El Shaarawy of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The first leg ended 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara, meaning it is all to play for in the Eternal City for a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Whoever wins will go through to face either Aston Villa or Lille.
Roma continue to have a serious injury crisis, missing Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, while Lorenzo Venturino is not on the UEFA list.
Stephan El Shaarawy is chosen to start in support of centre-forward Malen, despite Lorenzo Pellegrini scoring in the first leg.
Once again, Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli will share the task of pushing into a more advanced position from midfield at different times in the game.
It has been a difficult period for Roma, who managed just two draws in four competitive games, sliding from fourth to sixth in the Serie A table.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates with his teammate Kostas Tsimikas after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bologna have problems too, because Juan Miranda is suspended, while former Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski is ruled out after picking up an injury at the weekend in the Serie A their 1-0 victory away to Sassuolo.
It means Federico Ravaglia has to take over the gloves, while Nikola Moro is not at 100 per cent and Lorenzo De Silvestri isn’t on the UEFA list.
Once again, Riccardo Orsolini is left on the bench, as Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe are in fine form supporting Castro upfront.
The Stadio Olimpico is a special place for Bologna, as this is where they beat Milan last season to win the Coppa Italia and qualify for the Europa League.
When these sides met here in Serie A back in August 2025, it ended 1-0 for Roma with a Wesley goal on his debut.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Santiago Castro of Bologna is challenged by Evan Ndicka of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Donyell Malen’s Roma and Santiago Castro’s Bologna meet at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). The first leg in Bologna last week ended in a 1-1 draw.
Roma are still short of options in attack with Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé injured and Lorenzo Venturino out of the UEFA list.
Bologna are without the suspended Juan Miranda, as well as Lorenzo De Silvestri and Eivind Helland, who are not part of the Rossoblu’s European squad.
Multiple sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta, claim that Stephan El Shaarawy will start as an attacking midfielder for Roma, leaving Lorenzo Pellegrini on the bench.
Italiano will look to Tommaso Pobega, Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler in central midfield, and to Federico Bernardeschi, Castro and Jonathan Rowe up front.
The winner will face Aston Villa or Lille in the quarter-finals.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Zeki Celik of AS Roma is challenged by Remo Freuler of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Roma vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 8 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Donyell Malen of AS Roma acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Roma vs. Bologna – probable line-ups
Roma (3-4-2-1):Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Kone, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, El Shaarawy; Malen.
Vincenzo Italiano insists ‘it is an honour for Bologna to be’ in the Europa League last 16 and warns ‘the value of the Roma squad is higher in every way.’
It is all to play for after the first leg ended 1-1, and is decided at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
This stadium has fond memories for the Rossoblu, as they beat Milan last season to win the Coppa Italia Final here, their first piece of silverware in over 50 years.
Italiano notes Bologna progress
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Vincenzo Italiano head coach of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Parma Calcio 1913 at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We are here, we’ve honoured this competition with many strong performances and deservedly getting through the play-offs.
“It was our objective to reach this stage and now we are here against a strong opponent, in a passionate atmosphere. We will try to have our say and do everything we can to cause them problems.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Players of Bologna acknowledge the fans following the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Italiano had said after the first leg that the 1-1 result meant Roma had a 51 per cent chance of going through.
“I stand by that, we have to give triple our potential to get through. We have to be realistic, the objective was to reach the last 16 and we achieved it, so we should be happy just being here and we celebrated after the group stage with an enormous cake.
“I’ve been in European football for a few years now, I know the Europa League is tough. There are top teams like Porto, Aston Villa, Stuttgart, Lyon, so it’s an honour for Bologna to be here.”
Bologna are out of the Coppa Italia and struggling in Serie A, so trying to go as far as possible in the Europa League is also a target for the season.
“It is an important game that can give us a boost going into the final weeks of the season, but it is not a crossroads. We know who we are and what we want,” assured Italiano.
“When you face Roma here, the atmosphere is different. We already experienced that and know what to expect, along with the added enjoyment of playing in Europe.
“We won’t let ourselves be intimidated, it is going to be an intense match and we need quality. It’s always a game with intensity if Gian Piero Gasperini is the coach.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, embraces Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Italiano is eager to point out that if any Serie A side is going to aim for Europa League triumph, it is probably Roma.
“The value of their squad is higher than ours, in every way. It is proved by their position in the Serie A table, by the level of their individual players, and then add in the atmosphere.
“It’s a game where both sides need a victory, so there can be no calculations, we have to play an open and attacking match. Quality makes the difference.”
Gian Piero Gasperini insists that there is ‘no clear difference’ between the two sides as Roma prepare to host Bologna for the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening.
Gasperini previes Roma vs. Bologna second leg: ‘Attention is crucial’
The tie is level at the halfway stage after a 1-1 draw between the two sides at the Dall’Ara last Thursday. The winner of tomorrow’s decider will go on to face either Lille or Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.
Roma have been the stronger of the two sides over in Serie A this season, leading Bologna by nine points and two positions in the league table, but Vincenzo Italiano’s side boast the better form, with four wins from their last five league matches, while Roma have only won once in that period.
Concerningly for the Giallorossi, Manu Kone, who missed out on the first leg last week, is a doubt again ahead of the second leg.
“There’s a little risk and a bit of precaution, we’ll see. Kone’s doing a bit worse,” head coach Gasperini said during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Gasperini went on to describe tomorrow’s match as: “A decisive game, different from the league. There’s no draw. There’s a possibility of going beyond the 90 minutes. These are different games that always fascinate me.”
Gasperini was also asked for his thoughts on Roma’s recent slump in Serie A results.
“Fans’ reactions must be accepted,” he said. “We have to work to our best, get results and bring happiness to the supporters. We have the complete commitment of the players and we are calm. What they’re doing is positive.
“We’ve also had some good games over these last 40 days. Of course, there have been games where we’ve gone under a little. We had some personnel difficulties, but these aren’t excuses. In Genoa and Como, there were also incidents that impacted the games.
“Now we’re not in our best moment, we’ve had to pay for injuries and various other situations, but we’ve never had the wrong attitude. We might have players who don’t play well at times, but there’s another game tomorrow and we want to do our best.”
Reverting his attention to the task at hand in the Europa League, Gasperini said: “These are games where incidents can be even more decisive.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“This is the second leg, so attention is crucial. It’s like a final, a one-off match. We have to be solid and connected. I think these are two teams that can bring a bit of pride to our (Italian) football in this situation.”
On the role that the Stadio Olimpico crowd will have to play tomorrow night, Gasperini said: “It’s always been red hot. There might be something even more tomorrow given the importance of the game.”
And on Stephan El Shaarawy, he added: “He was out for 40 days. He’s had a couple of weeks of recovery, he played on Sunday. We won’t be able to count on Venturino tomorrow either. We make choices based on who’s available. Stephan could be a crucial player.”
Lastly, Gasperini was asked what he makes of the opinions from the Bologna camp that Roma remain the favourites heading into Thursday’s second leg.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, embraces Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The ambition is the same for everyone,” he insisted. “Bologna are behind in the league but are recovering now. They were in the Champions League last year. There’s no clear difference between the two teams. We understand the importance of the game.”
Roma wing-back Wesley Franca insists that the incident that led to his sending off during Saturday’s Serie A defeat against Como ‘wasn’t a foul’, and says that the Giallorossi need ‘100% concentration’ if they are to overcome Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Wesley reacts to Como red and previews Bologna second leg
The Brazilian wideman joined head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for Wednesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie between Roma and Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night. The tie is currently level after a 1-1 draw at the Dall’Ara last week.
For Wesley, this was also an opportunity to review his most recent Serie A match. Roma were beaten 2-1 away against Como in a massive game in the race for the Champions League positions, and the Brazilian was controversially sent off just over an hour in with the scores still level at 1-1.
Wesley was sent off for a second bookable offence, but he insists that there was no foul in his clash with Como’s Assane Diao.
Like the incident that led to Pierre Kalulu’s wrongful sending off in the Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter in February, the incident could not be referred to VAR for review as it was a second yellow card offence and not a straight red. For the same reason, neither Kalulu nor Wesley’s suspensions were overturned either.
“It wasn’t a foul. I was aware I was on a booking and didn’t want a red,” Wesley protested (via TMW).
“I was on his side, leaning on him because he was falling on top of me. I was convinced afterwards that I hadn’t committed a foul, but for others, I did. It was a decisive incident which changed the game.”
Moving on from the Como incident, Wesley went on to explain why he has been able to hit the ground running so comfortably in Italy after joining Roma from Flamengo over the summer.
“Italian football is different to Brazilian football, but with a lot of concentration, it’s difficult for others to get past me, just as it’s easier for me to dribble against them,” he explained.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“The coach asks me to attack, to not make mistakes and to make the right decisions. I’m improving and playing helps that.”
And looking ahead to Thursday’s clash against Bologna, he added: “For me, it’s a dream to play in Europe. We care a lot. Careers are built in these tournaments, it requires 100% concentration. We have to be ready tomorrow.”
And on his individual battle with Federico Bernardeschi during the first leg, Wesley said: “He’s very strong with some great characteristics. The duel was great. We’ve played against a lot of strong players, but he’s very good.”
Inter Milan and AC Milan sit jointly at the top of Serie A’s shirt sponsorship earnings table, but the gap between the division’s biggest clubs and the rest remains stark, and for one club, the commercial silence is deafening.
Both Milan clubs currently earn €30 million per season from their respective shirt partners, according to reports gathered by CalcioMercato.
Inter receive their fee from Bettson, whose logo appears as Bettson.sport on the jersey, a workaround required under Italian laws prohibiting direct betting sponsorship.
Milan’s deal with Emirates is worth the same figure this season, though a recently signed renewal will see that rise to €35 million from 2026/27 onwards.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Maldini of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Serie A shirt sponsors: Juventus, Napoli & Roma rise as Lazio go sponsorless
Juventus, meanwhile, have seen a dramatic fall in commercial income in this area.
Having gone a full season without a shirt sponsor, Save the Children carried no financial value, the club have returned Jeep to their jersey, but through an internal Exor arrangement worth just €19 million this season, rising to €23 million next year.
It is a far cry from the €45 million the previous Jeep deal delivered at its peak. Napoli’s MSC Crociere deal is worth €9 million this season and is also set to increase in the coming campaign.
Roma have just unveiled a new shirt partner of their own, Eurobet.live, another betting-adjacent workaround, worth €8 million this season and €13 million from next.
Across the city, however, Lazio remain the only club in Serie A without a shirt sponsor, with Claudio Lotito yet to secure any commercial partnership for the jersey.
Some of the most eye-catching figures come from family-owned clubs with internal sponsorship arrangements. Fiorentina receive €25 million from Mediacom, a company connected to the late Rocco Commisso’s family, while Sassuolo’s Mapei deal is worth €18 million.
At the other end of the scale, the numbers are considerably more modest. Bologna receive €3 million from owner Joey Saputo’s business, Atalanta earn €5 million from Lete, and Cagliari pick up €3.6 million from the Sardinian regional government.
Torino (Suzuki, €2.35m), Parma (Prometeon, €1.5m), Udinese (Friuli Venezia Giulia region, €1.5m) and Genoa (Pulsee, €1.2m) follow, with Verona, Lecce and Como all on €1 million.
Pisa bring up the rear with €700,000 from Cetilar, who also sponsor the stadium.
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