Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions

Roma vs Athletic Bilbao predictions for this Europa League clash. Roma begin their Europa League campaign on Thursday evening against Athletic Bilbao, aiming for a strong return to the continental stage. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Europa League | League Stage | Sep 26, 2024 at 8pm UK at Stadio Olimpico

Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions

Can Roma Stop Athletic Bilbao’s Winning Streak in the Europa League?

• Defensive Resilience: Roma have only conceded 0.6 goals per game in Serie A this season, demonstrating their defensive solidity under Ivan Juric. This defensive record could be crucial in containing Bilbao’s attacking threats.
• Athletic Bilbao’s Away Day Woes: Bilbao have struggled on the road in Europe, particularly in Italy, where they haven’t won since 1997. Their current form might be strong, but history suggests they could find it tough in Rome.
• Limited Firepower: Despite averaging 16.2 shots per game, Roma have only managed to convert five goals in Serie A this season. Their inefficiency in front of goal might make it difficult for them to break down Bilbao’s defence effectively.

Our Tips

As Roma prepare to host Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League opener, the stakes are high for both sides. This encounter at the Stadio Olimpico marks the beginning of their respective campaigns in Europe’s second-tier competition. For Roma, it’s a chance to start afresh under new management, while for Athletic Bilbao, it’s a return to the continental stage after a six-year absence.

Roma have experienced a turbulent start to their Serie A season, prompting the dismissal of their manager, Daniele De Rossi. In his place, Ivan Juric has been appointed, bringing with him a reputation for solid, pragmatic football. Juric’s first game in charge resulted in a convincing 3-0 victory over Udinese, giving the Giallorossi a much-needed boost ahead of their European fixture. With the passionate home crowd behind them, Roma will be keen to extend this newfound momentum against a formidable Basque side.

On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao arrive in Rome riding a wave of confidence after a trio of consecutive wins in La Liga. Ernesto Valverde’s team have been impressive, particularly in their last outing, where they overcame Celta Vigo with a dominant first-half display. However, the trip to Italy presents a unique challenge, as Bilbao have struggled on the road in European competitions, especially against Italian opposition. Despite these hurdles, the Basque club will be determined to make a strong statement in their return to European football.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals

Considering the defensive solidity and managerial styles of both teams, a low-scoring affair seems the most probable outcome. Roma, under Ivan Juric, are likely to adopt a cautious approach, especially given their recent instability and desire to avoid a damaging home defeat. Juric’s teams are known for their disciplined and well-organised defensive setups, which should help Roma remain resilient against Bilbao’s attacking threats.

Similarly, Athletic Bilbao, although in good form, are not typically prolific on the road. They average just 1.6 goals per game in La Liga this season, which drops significantly against stronger European opposition. The absence of their star winger Nico Williams, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, further diminishes their attacking potency. With Julen Agirrezabala deputising for the injured Unai Simon in goal, Bilbao’s defence is likely to be more conservative, focusing on keeping things tight at the back.

Roma’s attacking statistics also support the likelihood of a low-scoring match. They average only 1 goal per game in Serie A, despite having a solid record of creating big chances. The Giallorossi have managed just five goals in five league matches, with their attack relying heavily on Artem Dovbyk, who has only recently found his scoring touch in Italian football. Their struggles in front of goal could be exacerbated by the potential absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini, a key creative force in midfield.

Given these factors, the most sensible bet for this match is under 2.5 goals. The combination of Roma’s newfound defensive focus under Juric and Bilbao’s cautious approach on foreign soil should result in a closely contested game with few clear-cut chances. As BettingTips4You.com expert Luca Semproni puts it: “With both teams likely to prioritise not losing over pushing for a win, a cagey affair with few goals seems the most plausible outcome.”

Correct Score Prediction: Roma 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

In line with the best bet of under 2.5 goals, a 1-1 draw appears to be the most fitting prediction for this encounter. Both teams have the potential to find the back of the net but are unlikely to overcommit in attack, given the importance of starting the group stage with a solid result.

Roma will be eager to continue their recovery under Juric and are likely to score, especially with the support of their home crowd. Dovbyk, having recently broken his scoring duck, will be the main focal point of their attack, and he could capitalise on any defensive lapses from the visitors. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, have shown they can score on the road, with Gorka Guruzeta in good form after his brace against Celta Vigo. Despite missing some key players, Bilbao should be able to break down Roma’s defence at least once, making a 1-1 draw a fair reflection of the two sides’ current form and abilities.

In this scenario, neither team would be too disappointed with a point, allowing them to build momentum for the remainder of the group stage. A draw would also maintain Bilbao’s unbeaten run while giving Roma a steady platform to build upon in their new manager’s early days.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!

Selected Bookmakers Offers