Bologna edged Roma in a dramatic seven-goal encounter, sealing a 4-3 victory after extra time at the Stadio Olimpico to progress 5-4 on aggregate in their Europa League Round of 16 clash.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Nicolo Cambiaghi struck to stun the home crowd and send Bologna into the quarter-finals, where they will face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Roma had an early scare when Zeki Celik made a crucial last-ditch block to deny Santiago Castro, but it was Bologna who struck first.
Jonathan Rowe opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a superb effort into the top-right corner after receiving the ball just outside the box.
The hosts responded 10 minutes later as Evan Ndicka rose highest to head home Lorenzo Pellegrini’s corner.
However, Bologna regained the lead before the interval when Federico Bernardeschi converted from the penalty spot after Stephan El Shaarawy fouled Nadir Zortea.
Bologna extended their advantage early in the second half, with Castro finishing emphatically past Mile Svilar following persistent work from Rowe to make it 3-1 on the night.
Roma fought back once again when Remo Freuler brought down Robinio Vaz, allowing Donyell Malen to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot in the 69th minute.
Pellegrini then brought Roma level in the tie with 10 minutes remaining in normal time, firing a long-range effort beyond Federico Ravaglia to force extra time.
With both sides locked in a tense battle, it was Bologna who found the breakthrough late on. Thijs Dallinga delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Cambiaghi, whose effort clipped the inside of the post before finding the net, ultimately deciding the thrilling contest.
Roma had looked set for a remarkable comeback after overturning a 3-1 deficit in the second leg, but Bologna showed resilience to prevail on the night.
Despite questions over Vincenzo Italiano’s decision to substitute Rowe and Castro—both of whom were instrumental in Bologna’s attacking play—the Italian side held firm to secure a memorable qualification.
