Back in Week 3, the Giallorossi were 2-0 up and cruising, before a second half collapse enabled the Rossoblu to complete a remarkable turnaround and leave the Stadio Olimpico as 3-2 victors.
Bologna vs AS Roma Preview: Early morning entertainment guaranteed
AS Roma may have one foot in the Coppa Italia final, but will look for revenge against a Bologna side still battling relegation.
Paolo Bruno
Since then, there’s been the usual ups and downs that one could expect from Zemanlandia. The visitors snapped a two game losing streak last weekend to pick up their first point of 2013 against Inter, followed by a morale boosting 2-1 Coppa Italia victory against the Nerazzurri in the first leg of the semi-finals.
Stefano Pioli’s side currently lie 14th, four points clear from the relegation places, but are still looking over their shoulders.
Both Nicolo Cherubin and Michele Pazienza are suspended, while Daniele Portanova and Cesare Natali are injured, so the home side will need a defensive reshuffle. Midfielder Rene Krhin, along with attackers Manolo Gabbiadini and Robert Acquafresca are also major fitness doubts.
In comparison, the visitors will be a little light up front. Erik Lamela is suspended for notching up one too many bookings and Mattia Destro is out for two months after undergoing knee surgery for an injury sustained in midweek. Nicolas Lopez is away on international duty and there's a fitness doubt over Miralem Pjanic after the Bosnian missed both games with Inter. Midfielder Daniele De Rossi is also definitely out of the game after picking up an injury during last weekend's game.
New signing Vasilis Torosidis goes straight into the travelling squad. The Greek international right back arrived this week from Olympiakos, but former teammate Leandro Greco warned that "defending is not his strong point." Seems he'll fit straight in at Roma.
Bologna injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniele Portanova, Cesare Natali (injured) Nicolo Cherubin, Michele Pazienza (suspended) Rene Krhin, Manolo Gabbiadini, Robert Acquafresca (in doubt)
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniele De Rossi, Mattia Destro (injured) Nicolas Lopez (international duty) Erik Lamela (suspended) Miralem Pjanic (in doubt)
Match Date/Time: Sunday 27th January 2013 12:30 p.m. local, 6:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy
TV: Premium Calcio, Sky Calcio 1 (Italy) RAI Internazionale (U.S)
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