AS Roma vs Bologna

** <h2>Serie A Season Opener: Roma's New Era Begins Against Resilient Bologna</h2> <p>The 2025-26 Serie A season kicks off with an intriguing encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, where <strong>AS Roma</strong> welcome <strong>Bologna</strong> in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two ambitious clubs with contrasting narratives.</p> <h3>Gasperini's Roma Revolution</h3> <p>All eyes will be on <strong>Gian Piero Gasperini</strong> as he makes his Roma debut, bringing his high-octane tactical approach from Atalanta to the capital. The appointment represents a significant philosophical shift for Roma, with expectations high that his proven ability to develop attacking systems will unlock the potential in players like <strong>Artem Dovbyk</strong>, <strong>Paulo Dybala</strong>, and new signing <strong>Matias Soulé</strong>.</p> <p>Roma's probable 3-5-2 formation features <strong>Mile Svilar</strong> in goal, with a defensive trio of <strong>Ghilardi</strong>, <strong>Mancini</strong>, and <strong>N'Dicka</strong>. The wing-back positions are crucial to Gasperini's system, with <strong>Rensch</strong> and <strong>Angeliño</strong> expected to provide width and attacking thrust. The midfield creativity will come from <strong>El Aynaoui</strong> and <strong>Soulé</strong>, supporting a front partnership likely featuring <strong>Dovbyk</strong> and <strong>Ferguson</strong>.</p> <h3>Bologna's Continuity Under Italiano</h3> <p><strong>Vincenzo Italiano</strong> enters his second season with Bologna, having guided them to an impressive 5th-place finish and European qualification in 2024-25. His tactical approach emphasizes possession-based football with quick transitions, perfectly suited to Bologna's technical players.</p> <p>Bologna will likely field a 4-3-3 system with <strong>Martin Vitik</strong> making his Serie A debut alongside <strong>Jhon Lucumí</strong> in central defense. The creative burden falls on <strong>Riccardo Orsolini</strong> and <strong>Lewis Ferguson</strong>, while <strong>Santiago Castro</strong> is expected to lead the line ahead of veteran <strong>Ciro Immobile</strong>.</p> <h3>Key Tactical Battles</h3> <p>The match will likely be decided in midfield, where Roma's <strong>Bryan Cristante</strong> and <strong>Kouadio Koné</strong> face Bologna's energetic trio of <strong>Ferguson</strong>, <strong>Giovanni Fabbian</strong>, and <strong>Nikola Moro</strong>. Bologna's ability to press high and disrupt Roma's build-up play will be crucial, particularly given Gasperini's preference for playing out from the back.</p> <p><strong>Orsolini's</strong> pace and creativity down Bologna's right flank could exploit any defensive uncertainty in Roma's new system, while Roma's <strong>Soulé</strong> possesses the individual brilliance to unlock Bologna's well-organized defense.</p> <h3>Historical Context and Motivation</h3> <p>Roma's historical dominance in this fixture (22 wins in 43 meetings) provides psychological confidence, but Bologna's recent resilience suggests they won't be overawed. The visitors' 2-2 draw at home against Roma in January 2025 demonstrated their ability to compete with top-six opposition.</p> <p>Both teams enter with European ambitions, making this season opener crucial for setting early momentum. Roma's new era under Gasperini begins with immediate pressure to deliver entertaining, winning football, while Bologna aims to prove their previous season's success wasn't a one-off.</p> <h3>Players to Watch</h3> <p><strong>Artem Dovbyk</strong> represents Roma's main goal threat and will be eager to make an immediate impression in Gasperini's system. His physical presence and clinical finishing could prove decisive against Bologna's defense. For the visitors, <strong>Santiago Castro's</strong> pace and movement will test Roma's new defensive understanding, while <strong>Ferguson's</strong> energy and pressing could disrupt Roma's rhythm.</p> <p>Weather conditions are expected to be ideal, with clear skies and temperatures around 26-