Bologna's Ferguson reflects on Roma defeat and defensive struggles

A goal by Edmundsson was disallowed in the final minute of stoppage time during Hellas Verona's match against Lecce on April 25. Referee Massa initially validated the strike but overturned the decision after an on-field review, citing a foul on goalkeeper Falcone. Edmundsson had made contact with Falcone's arm while attempting to block the ball, prompting the VAR check. The disallowed goal has drawn comparisons to a controversial decision from January 3, when Atalanta defeated Roma 1–0 with a goal by Scalvini at the New Balance Arena. Scalvini's goal generated significant debate because the defender appeared to place both hands on Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar's face while being obstructed by Rensch, before scoring. Despite a lengthy VAR review, the goal was awarded, sparking criticism from football experts. Luca Marelli, an arbitral expert at DAZN, stated: "Scalvini has both hands on Svilar's face and the goal should have been disallowed. The hands are on the goalkeeper's face before he strikes the ball." The contrast between these two decisions—one disallowed for contact with the goalkeeper, the other awarded despite similar circumstances—has fuelled debate about consistency in refereeing standards. Andrea De Marco, former referee and institutional relations officer for Serie A and Serie B, defended the Scalvini decision after reviewing the evidence. He explained that officials determined Scalvini struck the ball before contacting Svilar, and that the subsequent contact resulted from the goalkeeper's reaction to being unbalanced.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to media following Roma's 2–0 away win at Bologna, expressing confidence in the club's ambitions and the squad's commitment. The coach acknowledged that while Roma produced a strong first half, the team struggled somewhat in the second period and must improve for upcoming matches. He emphasized the importance of maintaining belief: "We must believe we can win every match. We are in a condition to play a first half like today, in the second we struggled a bit. We must improve on this for the next game." Gasperini highlighted Donyell Malen's impressive performance and noted that absences of Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala had affected Roma's depth. He also praised a player named El Ayanoui for his display, noting that the player had returned from African Cup of Nations duty with Morocco and had earned recovery time before stepping in. The coach underlined his professional responsibility for tactical matters while expressing gratitude for the club's backing since his arrival. Reflecting on the organisation at Roma, Gasperini stated: "The Roma are a powerful club that will be able to do great things, and I hope to contribute on the technical side." He credited the Friedkin Group with demonstrating consistent trust and commitment to the project from day one, framing the technical direction as his primary focus moving forward.

Paulo Dybala made his return to action as AS Roma secured a 2-0 away victory against Bologna in Serie A matchday 34. The Argentine forward expressed satisfaction at playing again with the squad after a period of absence. Dybala's comeback strengthens Roma's midfield options as the season progresses. His return to fitness comes at a significant moment for the Giallorossi as they continue their campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Details regarding the exact duration of Dybala's absence and the circumstances of his injury remain unclear from available information.

Bologna host Roma at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on Saturday evening in a crucial Serie A fixture. Bologna sit ten points behind sixth-placed Roma and cannot afford another slip-up after a 2-0 defeat at Juventus, having lost three of their last four matches by multiple goals. Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, are targeting a top-four finish for the first time since 2017–18, but trail fourth-placed Juventus by five points following a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta. With only five games remaining, both sides face mounting pressure in their pursuit of European qualification. Bologna's home record presents a significant weakness—they have lost 50% of their Serie A matches at Renato Dall'Ara this season (W6, D2, L8) and have won only two of ten encounters against current top-seven sides. Roma, however, struggle on the road, having failed to win any of their last seven away games in all competitions (D3, L4) despite scoring in six of them. Defensively, Roma have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four Serie A away matches. Bologna will be without goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, defender Nicolo Casale, and striker Thijs Dallinga, with Federico Bernardeschi also sidelined by injury. Roma cannot call upon Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, though Paulo Dybala may be available from the bench. Injuries to Manu Kone and Lorenzo Pellegrini have depleted Roma's midfield, leaving Niccolo Pisilli and Bryan Cristante to fill the gaps. The prediction favours Roma to win, given Bologna's fatigue from additional recent matches.

Roma faces Bologna with several lineup decisions to finalize ahead of the match. Lorenzo Venturino will start on the bench after sustaining a bruise during the week that has left him below full fitness. The main selection uncertainty centers on the attacking midfield position, where El Aynaoui is competing with El Shaarawy for a starting role alongside Cristante in midfield. If El Aynaoui gets the nod, Pisilli would occupy the number 10 role; if El Shaarawy starts instead, Pisilli would move into a more central midfield position. Paulo Dybala is unavailable to begin the match. Roma is pushing to maintain their Champions League qualification hopes heading into the fixture. The squad faces considerable constraints, with Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson all ruled out. Gasperini will field Celik on one flank, with Wesley returning from injury to operate on the other wing. The selection dilemmas reflect Roma's current depth challenges as they navigate multiple absences while competing for European qualification.

Roma will travel to Bologna's Dall'Ara stadium for a Serie A encounter on 25 April as Gian Piero Gasperini's side looks to bounce back after recent turbulence at the club. The match represents a crucial fixture in Bologna's pursuit of European qualification, with the home side sitting eighth, six points behind seventh-place Atalanta in the Champions League race. Roma's squad will be depleted by absences, with Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson unavailable. Gasperini is expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation with Svilar in goal behind a defensive line of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso. Wesley returns to the starting lineup at wing-back alongside Celik, with Cristante and Pisilli anchoring midfield. In attack, El Shaarawy and Soulé will support Malen, while Dybala is available as a potential substitute option. The probable squad composition suggests Roma will operate with a balanced defensive setup while maintaining attacking options off the bench. Roma's last two home matches produced contrasting results: a decisive victory over Pisa and a frustrating draw against Atalanta. The Bologna fixture carries heightened significance as both clubs pursue distinct objectives—Bologna seeking to secure European football for next season, and Roma looking to maintain momentum under their new tactical direction.