Gasperini Prepares for Crucial Europa Clash Against Bologna

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 19, 2026 3:37 PM ET

Roma heads into a tense Europa League return at the Stadio Olimpico. The club calls this meeting with Bologna a do-or-die tie.

Nine Serie A matches remain this season. Roma must chase up to 27 points to challenge for a top-four spot.

Title chase and European route

Roma still faces Inter Milan and Atalanta in April. May brings games with Fiorentina and Lazio.

The club needs a strong finish in the league. Winning the Europa League would secure Champions League qualification.

A Europa triumph could end a near ten-year absence from the Champions League. That route remains crucial given league difficulties.

Gasperini confirmed Mancini, Koné, and Çelik trained separately yesterday. He said Koné might be a doubt.

Stefano El Shaarawy returned after 40 days out. He played on Sunday and won a penalty.

Venturino is not on the UEFA list. That leaves Pellegrini, Zaragoza, and El Shaarawy as forward options.

Gasperini described the fixture as decisive and compared it to a cup final. He insisted there must be a winner.

He warned that return-leg ties can go to extra time and penalties. Focus, scoring, and defensive solidity are essential.

Gasperini noted the team’s commitment remains high. He rejected excuses for recent results and praised player dedication.

Roma suffered defeats to Udinese, Genoa, and Como in recent weeks. The side also met Napoli, Juventus, Milan, Cagliari, and Cremonese.

The coach cited fixture congestion, suspensions, and injuries as complicating factors. He did not call those factors excuses.

There was an AIA explanation about a red-light incident involving Wesley in Como. Gasperini said the images looked awkward.

Bologna recently improved their league form. Last season they reached the Champions League, showing their quality.

Gasperini expects a balanced contest between similar teams. He believes incidents in knockout ties become even more decisive.

He also warned that squad rotation for Bologna need not be a disadvantage. Rest does not always equal readiness.

Gasperini praised the Olimpico atmosphere and fan support. He said the stadium has been an asset this season.

Fans’ reactions online vary, and the coach does not follow social media closely. He accepts both praise and criticism.

Quotes were given via the club’s official channels and shared with Filmogaz.com. Gasperini prepares for a crucial Europa clash with Bologna, he said.