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Roma welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Stadio Olimpico in their UEFA Europa League opener on Thursday. The hosts made it to the semifinals last season, while Bilbao are back in Europe after seven years.
Roma registered their first win of the season last week with a convincing 3-0 home triumph over Udinese in Serie A. Artem Dovbyk scored in the first half, while Paulo Dybala and Tommaso Baldanzi netted in the second.
Bilbao, meanwhile, extended their winning streak in La Liga to three games on Sunday with a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo. Gorka Guruzeta bagged a first-half brace before Alvaro Djalo added a third in the second half, opening his account for the club.
Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams are meeting for the first time.
- Roma are meeting a 10th different Spanish team in Bilbao in UEFA competitions.
- Bilbao have had 20 meetings across competitions with seven different Italian teams.
- Roma have won one of their five Serie A games this season, keeping three clean sheets.
- Roma have lost one of their last 12 home games in the Europa League, with that loss coming against last season's runners-up Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final.
- Bilbao have lost their last three games in the Europa League. They have suffered one loss in their last seven away games in the competition.
- Bilbao have won their two away games in September, scoring five goals and conceding twice.
Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Roma won their first game under new coach Ivan Juric. They have won 10 of their last 12 home games in the Europa League.
Alexis Saelemaekers and Enzo Le Fee continue to be sidelined with injuries. Lorenzo Pellegrini trained separately after picking up a knock in the Udinese win and could start from the bench.
Bilbao, meanwhile, have won four of their last five games, scoring nine goals. Nico Williams was absent against Celta last week and faces a late fitness test. Unai Simón and Yeray Alvarez are confirmed absentees.
Yuri Berchiche and Oscar De Marcos are doubts, while goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, who was subbed off at half-time last week, is back in training and could start.
Roma have an impressive home record in the competition. Nonetheless, they have drawn three of their five games. Considering that and the visitors' recent form, a high-scoring draw could ensue.
Prediction: Roma 2-2 Athletic Bilbao
Roma vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Iñaki Williams to score or assist any time - Yes
