Bologna commenced the 2010-11 campaign as one of the relegation candidates but heading into Week 22 the Felsinei seem to have created quite a gulf between themselves and the bottom-three.
Last weekend Alberto Malesani's side destroyed Lazio 3-1 at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara to bounce back from back-to-back defeats to Inter and Napoli. This means that Bologna are currently placed 13th in the Serie A standings with 25 points from 21 matches, a healthy six points above the bottom-three.
Bologna have a formidable record at home as they have lost just once in the league all season in front of their own supporters. Having got the better of Lazio last weekend, this time the Rossoblu will be confident of dishing out a similar fare to another Roman side, whom they had held to a 2-2 draw in Rome in the reverse fixture in September.
In Full Throttle
Much has been made of Milan's supreme strikeforce, Napoli's restoration of fortune under Walter Mazzarri, Udinese's scintillating football but amidst all this, Roma have carried on with the task of chasing the titles and the trophies.
On Thursday evening Claudio Ranieri's side defeated Juventus 2-0 in Turin to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. It was their fourth competitive win in succession and fifth of the new year. Last weekend Roma defeated Cagliari 3-0 to lift themselves up to third in the league standings on 38 points, six behind leaders Milan.
The Lupi's away form, though, remains unconvincing as they have won just thrice on the road in Serie A all season. Against a Bologna side who destroyed their city-rivals Lazio last weekend, Roma should be careful and play with respect for the opposition.
TEAM NEWS
Bologna
Ramirez is injured and will miss the game. Portanova, Perez, Gimenez and Moras are suspended. Di Vaio will be played as the lone striker upfront in a 4-1-4-1 system.
Roma
Pizarro and Adriano are injured and will miss the trip to Bologna. Totti and Borriello will be the two forwards in a 4-3-1-2 formation with Menez deployed behind them.
Prediction
Bologna have proved themselves to be strong at home and destroyed Lazio last weekend. Roma would be a tougher proposition but the hosts should be good enough to garner a point at least.
Bologna 1-1 Roma 
