Bryan Cristante acknowledged that Roma supporters expressed their disappointment following the Europa League elimination to Bologna. “We felt like we had the match under control.”
Throughout the two legs of this Round of 16 encounter, the Giallorossi never took the lead. Lorenzo Pellegrini equalised after Federico Bernardeschi opened the scoring at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
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In the second leg, Bologna initially took the lead through Jonathan Rowe. Although Evan Ndicka equalised, the visitors surged ahead 3-1 with goals from Bernardeschi and Santiago Castro.
Roma managed to take the match to extra time thanks to a penalty from Donyell Malen and another goal from Pellegrini, but Nicolò Cambiaghi ultimately secured victory for Bologna, sending them through to the Europa League quarter-finals against Aston Villa.
Cristante Acknowledges Roma’s Mistakes
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Donyell Malen of AS Roma scores his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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“We really should not have let in so many goals,” Cristante remarked. “We fell behind but responded well and appeared to be in control during extra time, poised to score the winning goal, only for it to turn in the opposite direction,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“We all share the disappointment of being eliminated from the tournament, and the fans certainly made their frustration known. It’s difficult, as we felt we had the momentum back, believing we had the right mindset, yet we ended up losing,” Cristante added.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal alongside Niccolo Pisilli during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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Unfortunately for Roma, their struggles continue, as they have not won in their last five competitive matches, resulting in a drop from fourth to sixth place in the Serie A standings.
Are they grappling with an injury crisis and feeling fatigued from relying on the same players for each match?
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates with teammates after Evan Ndicka scores their first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“There are times during the season when fatigue is felt, but we were in a strong position to advance in the Europa League. We can’t blame fatigue; we simply need to work harder and push through,” Cristante concluded.