In the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 this evening, Bologna drew 1-1 with Roma. Goals were scored in the second half by Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Pellegrini, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
Player Ratings: Bologna 1-1 Roma
Bologna
Squad: Skorupski 6; Mario 6 (Zortea N/A), Casale 6 (Vitik N/A), Lucumi 7, Miranda 6.5 (Lykogiannis N/A); Ferguson 6.5, Freuler 6, Pobega 6.5; Bernardeschi 7.5, Castro 5.5 (Dallinga N/A), Rowe 7 (Cambiaghi 6).
Best Player: Federico Bernardeschi – He was both an offensive threat, clearly demonstrated by his well-taken goal and numerous chances created, and actively contributed defensively, tracking back to support his defense. His performance showcased strong leadership throughout the game.
Lowest Rating: Santiago Castro – Never truly found his rhythm during the match, failed to register a single shot, and was significantly less effective than his attacking teammates.
Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 7 – It’s hard to find fault with Italiano’s management in what was a very closely contested game, where his Bologna side was arguably the better of the two teams on the night. However, his substitutions added little discernible impact.
Roma
Squad: Svilar 6.5; Celik 6 (Hermoso 6), N’Dicka 6.5, Ghilardi 7; Rensch 6.5 (Tsimikas 5.5), El Aynaoui 6 (Pellegrini 7.5), Pisilli 6, Wesley 6; Cristante 6.5; Malen 6.5, Zaragoza 6 (Vaz 6).
Best Player: Lorenzo Pellegrini – Came off the bench to score the crucial equalizer, thereby securing a vital away draw in this first leg. This result positions the team favorably for the return match at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lowest Rating: Kostas Tsimikas – In stark contrast to Pellegrini, Tsimikas entered the game as a substitute and once again delivered a disappointing performance. He has consistently struggled to find momentum with the Roman side and had very little involvement during his 35 minutes on the pitch.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini 6.5 – Made strategic adjustments after Bologna scored, which were ultimately rewarded with Pellegrini’s goal. Nevertheless, Roma was arguably the weaker of the two teams tonight, and Gasperini will likely not be entirely pleased with his squad’s overall showing.
