Artem Dovbyk remained composed to convert a penalty with the final kick of the game to give Roma a 2-2 lead in Bologna after they had wasted a lead by giving up two goals in four minutes.

Lorenzo Pellegrini began in place of Bryan Cristante after the Giallorossi's 2-0 victory against Lazio in the Derby della Capitale gave them new life. This was the Rossoblu's first game of 2025 after their match against Inter was postponed for the Supercoppa. Prior to the 3-2 loss to Verona, when they were down to 10 men, they had been playing well, with 10 points from four rounds. In addition to Michel Aebischer, Oussama El Azzouzi, and Nicolò Cambiaghi being long-term absentees, Tommaso Pobega was suspended. The home team got off to a very aggressive start as Thijs Dallinga put Mile Svilar to the test with a strong shot at the near post.