FCSB vs Bologna Prediction: Red-hot Orsolini is a steal at 4/1

When FCSB host Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday at the Arena Nationala, both sides will be aiming to inject a bit of momentum into their continental campaign (19:45 local, 17:45 BST, live on TNT Sports 9).

Steaua currently hold the last of the play-off spots in the league phase, but the Rossoblu are only two places behind. My FCSB vs Bologna predictions can be read below, along with the latest team news and Betfred’s match odds.

Team News

Elias Charalambous sends his FCSB side into an 11th European fixture of the season already having been through two rounds of qualifying in the Champions League before a couple more ties in the Europa to make it to the league phase.

The South Africa-born Cypriot has made plenty of changes to his regular league side in previous midweek games, so there could again be some switch-ups after a 2-1 defeat to Metaloglobus on Saturday.

Former Bologna loanee Denis Alibec, who was a young Inter Milan star at one point, could be given the start again having been subbed off at the break in the two previous Europa League ties.

Elsewhere, Baba Alhassan should continue in defence after a season-ending ACL injury for Mihai Popescu. Juri Cisotti could start against his compatriots in the attacking midfield line.

For Bologna, boss Vincenzo Italiano will want a similar result to Sunday’s first away win of the season at Cagliari, but will set about the task with a few changes to his lineup.

Top scorer Riccardo Orsolini should start in place of Federico Bernadeschi, with Thijs Dallinga and Jonathan Rowe also likely to get the nod ahead of Santiago Castro and Nicolo Cambiaghi.

Lukasz Skorupski is almost certain to be handed the gloves after Federico Ravaglia was given his season debut in the 2-0 win in Sardinia at the weekend.

FCSB vs Bologna Odds

The team lying in fifth spot in Serie A are the big favourites to get a first Europa League win of the campaign, with Bologna 7/10 for the victory. That implies a 58.8% chance of the Rossoblu leaving with three points.

FCSB are a 4/1 shot, with the draw posted at 11/4.

With six goals to his name already this term, it is no surprise to see Orsolini priced up as the 4/1 favourite to grab the first goal. Dallinga is next at 9/2 alongside Castro, while Bernardeschi and Rowe are both 5/1 chances.

Today's Football Fixtures

Bologna to Win to Nil @ 8/5

Bologna have looked very impressive for much of this season, with their three defeats all being 1-0 losses, to Roma, AC Milan and Aston Villa.

Their last two wins have been 4-0 and 2-0 successes (against Pisa and Cagliari respectively), and while Steaua should be a tougher test for them they have the base there to excel.

Italiano has put together a side which deals in structure first and foremost, and that should serve them well in Bucharest.

The 8/5 odds imply a 38.5% probability, but Bologna are better than that.

Football Odds

Riccardo Orsolini First Goalscorer @ 4/1

Six goals in 568 minutes so far in 2025/26 tells you all you really need to know about Orsolini.

The attacker has netted in all of his last four appearances, and broke the deadlock in the 1-1 draw with Freiburg which saw Bologna get off the mark in Europe on matchday two.

He’s the hottest player on the pitch in front of goal, and the 4/1 odds of him netting first look generous for the punter.

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