AS Roma vs Bologna FC: A Serie A Thriller Ends in a 3-2 Defeat for Roma

On November 10, 2024, AS Roma hosted Bologna FC at the Stadio Olimpico for a thrilling Serie A match, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Bologna. The game, played under a crisp autumn afternoon, provided plenty of action, drama, and goals. Both teams came into the match with solid lineups, eager to grab crucial points in Italy’s top-tier competition. However, despite a late surge from Roma, Bologna managed to hold on to their lead and leave with all three points.

calcio highlights and goals
As roma vs Bologna [Spheterix]

First Half: Bologna Takes the Lead

The match kicked off with both teams applying intense pressure, but it was Bologna FC that quickly took control. After a series of fouls and blocked attempts, Bologna capitalized on a free-kick in the 25th minute. Santiago Castro struck a close-range shot into the bottom left corner after a corner kick, giving Bologna a 1-0 lead.

Roma struggled to break through Bologna's defense, despite several attempts from Matías Soulé, Artem Dovbyk, and Manu Koné. Soulé came close to equalizing for Roma in the 29th minute, but his shot hit the crossbar. The hosts were unable to find an equalizer before halftime.

Bologna’s defense, led by Riccardo Orsolini, Sam Beukema, and Jens Odgaard, remained resolute, frustrating Roma’s offensive efforts. On the other hand, Juan Miranda and Santiago Castro were key in Bologna’s offensive build-up, with Castro playing a role in the opening goal.

At the break, the score stood at Roma 0-1 Bologna.

Second Half: Roma Responds, But Falls Short

The second half saw AS Roma return with renewed energy. In the 62nd minute, Stephan El Shaarawy scored a superb header at the center of the box to bring Roma level at 1-1. However, Bologna responded almost immediately: Riccardo Orsolini found the back of the net with a precise left-footed shot in the 63rd minute, putting Bologna back in the lead at 2-1.

Roma didn’t give up, and in the 81st minute, El Shaarawy again scored, this time with a well-placed right-footed shot into the top corner to make it 2-2. It seemed that Roma might push for a late winner, but Bologna had other plans.

In the 76th minute, Jesper Karlsson scored the decisive goal for Bologna, sending a shot from a tight angle into the bottom left corner to give Bologna a 3-2 lead. Roma tried to respond in the final minutes, with a header from Gianluca Mancini and shots from Shomurodov and Baldanzi, but Bologna’s defense held firm.

Bologna’s victory was briefly threatened in the 72nd minute, when Thijs Dallinga’s goal was ruled out by VAR for a handball, keeping Roma's hopes alive. But in the end, Bologna FC triumphed, holding on to their lead until the final whistle to take all three points.

Key Moments and Goals for AS Roma

First Half:

  1. Santiago Castro’s goal for Bologna in the 25th minute gave the visitors the lead.
  2. Matías Soulé struck the crossbar in the 29th minute, a missed opportunity for Roma.

Second Half:

  1. Stephan El Shaarawy equalized for Roma in the 62nd minute with a superb header.
  2. Riccardo Orsolini quickly restored Bologna’s lead in the 63rd minute with a brilliant strike.
  3. Stephan El Shaarawy scored again in the 81st minute, bringing Roma back to 2-2.
  4. Jesper Karlsson sealed Bologna’s victory with a decisive shot in the 76th minute.

Bologna FC’s Impressive Performance

Bologna’s victory was built on a solid defense and clinical finishing. Despite sustained pressure from Roma in the second half, Bologna managed to resist and take advantage of their opportunities. Riccardo Orsolini and Santiago Castro were particularly influential in attacking phases, while Juan Miranda and Sam Beukema provided the necessary stability in defense.