Roma must beware Bologna threat

Roma coach Luis Enrique has urged his team to be careful in their Serie A clash against Bologna on Wednesday.

A surprise 3-1 win over Napoli on Sunday saw Roma into seventh on the table, a position they can continue to improve on with another victory.

Bologna are struggling just two spots above the relegation zone, but Enrique wants his team to approach the fixture at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara with caution.

“It is usually easier to be motivated against a big team, an opposing team which has a certain importance for the supporters and the media,” he said on Tuesday.

“It is normal to have this attitude and motivation, but at the end the result and the prize is the same – three points.”

“I think the key of this match is to be careful and motivated.”

After consecutive losses, Roma’s recent form has been pleasing for Enrique, with a draw against league leaders Juventus followed by the win over Napoli.

Enrique said he wanted his side to continue balancing attack and defence ahead of winnable games against Bologna, Chievo and Catania.

“I’ve talked about the balance of the two phases – offensive and defensive – against Juventus and Napoli, since I believe that without that balance it would be impossible to compete at 100 percent and have the chance to win a match,” he said.

Investigations into match-fixing and illegal betting on games in Italy saw former Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni and 16 other people arrested across the country on Monday.

Enrique said he felt for promoted side Atalanta, who were hit with a six-point penalty before the season started, and was hopeful others would avoid making the mistake Doni did.

“Justice does what it has to do and I believe this is important. This happens when you make a mistake and do something which shouldn’t be done,” the Spaniard said.

“I’m sorry and I hope no one makes this mistake again.”