Bologna – AS Roma: Limitations Linger From European Outfits (2-2)

Although both Bologna and AS Roma still have European fixtures on their calendars, their meeting in Northern Italy was more about the limitations that have grown into their game plans, from the original blueprints that got them into the competitions in the first place.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

Heading into the second half of the season, Bologna and Roma kicked away their poor starts, with a potential European spot glittering in the distance.

After just one league win in their first eight games, Bologna has responded by winning six out of nine since then. Vincenzo Italiano still needs to add more layers to his attacking plan, but he has always been a strong coach when arranging an out-of-possession scheme; although losing 3-2 to Hellas Verona was a missed opportunity to close the gap between Fiorentina and Juventus.

Fellow Roman Claudio Ranieri has calmed the waters of his much-loved club. Beating Lazio is always going to improve the mood, Lorenzo Pellegrini's return to the starting eleven had a major impact on the early proceedings of that game. Ranieri’s style brings its limitations, but the situation is a lot more upbeat than what it was a few months ago. 

For the first time since April, Lewis Ferguson started at Renato Dall’Ara after recovering from his ACL injury. He replaced the suspended Tommaso Pobega, one of three changes from that home defeat to Verona. Giovanni Fabbian and Santiago Castro were on the bench for Dan Ndoye and Thijs Dallinga.

Ranieri made no changes from the team that won the Derby della Capitale. Bryan . . .

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Joel Parker (24) is an Everton fan. Whenever he’s not watching his beloved Everton, Joel spends his time analyzing all sorts of football. Chief editor and Founder of Toffee Analysis. [ View all posts ]

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