Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions

• Roma have drawn three of their last five games
• Both teams’ last stalemate finished 1-1
• Roma have reached the last four of this competition in back-to-back seasons

Cagey affair likely in Rome

Roma have been one of the most successful teams in European football in recent years, winning the 2021-22 Conference League before reaching the last four of the Europa League in the last two seasons.

They begin their campaign this term with a tough test on Thursday against La Liga side Athletic Bilbao however, who have their first taste of European football since 2017-18.

The away side lifted the Copa del Rey last term and finished fifth in the Spanish top flight so should not be underestimated.

The Red and Whites managed to hold onto the in-demand winger Nico Williams and have had a very solid start to the new season, winning four of their opening seven league games.

Roma by contrast have had an underwhelming start and sacked manager Daniele De Rossi after just four games, replacing him with Ivan Juric.

The Wolves won the new manager’s first game in charge, beating Udinese 3-0 at the weekend.

Nevertheless these two teams remain some of the biggest names in the Europa League group section and are likely to approach each other with caution, making the draw a big runner.

1-1 is the correct score pick in what could be a cagey game.