The wounds of their recent Europa League heartbreak are still fresh, but AS Roma proved they are far from finished this season. In a high-stakes Serie A clash at the Renato Dall’Ara, the Giallorossi delivered a tactical masterclass to secure a vital 2-0 victory over Bologna, keeping their Champions League dreams alive and well.
The Malen & El Aynaoui Show
Roma didn’t wait long to stamp their authority on the game. With Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical fingerprints all over the lineup, the visitors looked sharp from the first whistle.
Just seven minutes in, the breakthrough arrived. Neil El Aynaoui—who has become a revelation in the middle of the park—threaded a needle-perfect ball through the heart of the Bologna defense. Donyell Malen timed his run to perfection, slotting the ball past Federico Ravaglia to silence the home crowd.
Bologna tried to fight back, with Riccardo Orsolini forcing a brilliant save from Mile Svilar, but they were caught by a sucker punch right before the break. In a beautiful role reversal, Malen turned provider, teeing up El Aynaoui in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-0.
Second Half: Defending the Wall
Vincenzo Italiano’s men threw everything at Roma in the second period. Orsolini was inches away from pulling one back when his thumping effort rattled the woodwork, but the “Gasperini Wall” held firm.
The biggest cheer of the night from the traveling fans wasn’t even for a goal—it was for the return of Paulo Dybala. The Argentine magician made his first appearance after three months on the sidelines, showing glimpses of the flair that Roma has desperately missed.
Final Verdict
This wasn’t just a win; it was revenge. After Bologna knocked Roma out of the Europa League in extra time just weeks ago, the Giallorossi needed this to steady the ship. Roma now sit in fifth, breathing down the necks of Juventus, while Bologna’s European hopes for next season take a massive hit.
