Match Overview: FCSB vs Bologna

The Matchday 3 fixture of the 2025/26 group stage will feature FCSB (Romania) battling Bologna (Italy) at the National Arena in Bucharest on October 23rd. This preview offers a detailed forecast, betting odds, and key statistics for the FCSB vs Bologna encounter.

FCSB Team Analysis

In the previous matchday, Elias Charalambous’s side suffered a 0-2 home defeat to Young Boys, which brought an end to FCSB’s five-game unbeaten streak in the Europa League (4 wins, 1 draw). This was only the second time in their last ten European encounters that the Romanian team failed to score. Currently, FCSB sits 24th in the standings with three points.

• The club has avoided defeat in 7 of their last 10 home Europa League matches (6 wins, 1 draw).
• At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the team’s last 8 matches in this European competition.
• The Romanians have found the net in 8 of their last 10 Europa League fixtures.

FCSB’s Probable Starting XI (4-5-1)*

Ștefan Târnovanu – Valentin Crețu, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mihai Popescu, Alexandru Grigoraș Pantea – David Miculescu, Baba Alhassan, Octavian Popescu, Malcolm Edjouma, Mamadou Thiam – Denis Alibec.

Bologna Team Analysis

Under Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna drew 1-1 with Freiburg at home in their last outing. This result means Bologna has failed to secure a victory in 9 of their last 10 matches across all European club competitions (4 draws, 5 losses), scoring only five goals during this period. The Italian side currently occupies the 27th position in the standings with a single point.

• The club has not won any of its last five away matches in European competitions (2 draws, 3 losses).
• No more than two goals were scored in the team’s last five away games in Europe.
• The Italians failed to score in 4 of their last 5 away matches in European club competitions.

Bologna’s Probable Starting XI (4-5-1)*

Łukasz Skorupski – Nadir Zortea, Thorbjørn Heggem, Jhon Lucumí, Juan Miranda – Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Nikola Moro, Remo Freuler, Nicolò Cambiaghi – Santiago Castro.

Striker Ciro Immobile will miss the match due to injury. Additionally, head coach Vincenzo Italiano will not be on the sidelines due to illness.

Match Official Profile

Andris Treimanis (Latvia)

Matches refereed: 13 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards issued (including second yellows): 72;

Average yellow cards per match: 5.5;

Red cards shown: 4;

Average fouls per match: 28;

Penalties awarded: 38%.

Match Prediction and Analysis

In my opinion, the Romanian side has a strong chance to earn points on their home turf. With the backing of their home crowd, FCSB has often achieved positive results in the past: in their last ten home Europa League matches, the team has suffered only three defeats. Notably, during this period, the club secured six victories, and two of their three losses were against experienced European powerhouses like Manchester United and Lyon.

Over the past two seasons in European competitions, Bologna has secured just one win in ten matches, and that solitary victory came on home soil. Away from home, the Italians have endured three defeats and two draws in their last five European club tournament clashes, failing to score in four of those encounters.

Main Betting Tip

I believe the Romanian side is capable of taking points in this match. Therefore, my prediction is a  “FCSB Win or Draw” with odds of 2.04

* For each team, the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated.