Tomorrow night, the Stadio Olimpico sets the stage for a Europa League showdown dripping with history, intensity, and a whole lot of stakes. Roma are riding high on a resurgence under Claudio Ranieri as they welcome to the Olimpico an Athletic Bilbao side eyeing a milestone 100th European victory. The Giallorossi have turned their season around and are starting to climb up the Serie A table with four straight league wins.

That never-say-die mentality, particularly on display in Roma’s come-from-behind victory against Como last weekend, is what this side needs to channel tomorrow against Athletic. Grinta and late-season momentum are the hallmarks of knockout football, and for Roma to find success tomorrow, they will need that in spaces.

On the other side, Bilbao arrives as one of Spain’s most cohesive and relentless outfits, built on a foundation of homegrown talent and a playing style that thrives on high-intensity pressing. Roma may have found its rhythm again, and Paulo Dybala, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Mile Svilar may be continuing to impress week in and week out, but the real test will come for this side in handling Bilbao’s relentless pressure. Ernesto Valverde’s side is built to unsettle, with players like Nico Williams and the recently recovered Oihan Sancet always dangerous on the counter.

Roma’s defense will need to be on high alert to stifle Bilbao’s high-intensity style—and they will need to avoid hot-headed and stupid mistakes. The key for Roma will be to impose themselves early, control possession, and make the most of the attacking magic the likes of Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, and Artem Dovbyk can bring to the table.

Make no mistake: this tie has all the ingredients for a European classic. Buckle up.

What To Watch For

Is Ranieri Saving Dovbyk For This Moment?

Claudio Ranieri’s decision to bring Artem Dovbyk on as a second-half substitute against Como raised a few eyebrows, especially given the striker’s history of crucial performances. Although Dovbyk hasn’t been lighting the world on fire just yet for the Giallorossi, Dovbyk’s game-sealing goal against Como last weekend after coming on as a substitute raises an inevitable question: has Dovbyk’s bench presence for the past few weeks been an attempt ot save him for something bigger?

Although Eldor Shomurodov has impressed as a backup in recent weeks, Roma’s attack has lacked that true clinical edge at times, and with a player like Dovbyk—who thrives in these high-pressure moments—the 2023-2024 La Liga capocannoniere could be the difference-maker against a side like Athletic Bilbao.

It’s no secret that Ranieri knows how to handle big-game players: look at the strong relationships he’s built with Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, and Paulo Dybala as examples. He’s also always been a master of timing. It’s entirely possible that Dovbyk is now getting sharper and more gelled with this successful Roma squad.

With the Europa League quarterfinals potentially just around the corner, perhaps Ranieri was saving Dovbyk for this very moment. Roma will need someone to step up and take the game by the scruff of the neck, and Dovbyk could just be the wild card Ranieri plays at the Olimpico to give them that cutting edge against Athletic Bilbao.

Will the Senators Push Roma Forward?

In good times and in bad, and whether they like it or not, Roma’s Senators always have eyes on them. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Mancini, and Paulo Dybala are the backbone of this side, and although they all weathered criticism during Roma’s terrible start to the season, they should all receive credit for helping lead this team back into the European conversation under Claudio Ranieri. Pellegrini’s resurgence under Ranieri has been nothing short of inspiring. After facing criticism and speculation about his future, he delivered a stellar performance in the Derby della Capitale, scoring a crucial goal in the 2-0 victory over Lazio. His leadership and renewed form have been pivotal in Roma’s recent successes.

Yet the question still remains: outside of Dybala, which of these players will be a long-term part of Roma’s future? Mancini, for all his passion and defensive grit, has struggled with inconsistency, and his penchant for picking up cards has been a persistent issue. But he remains a leader in the dressing room and one of the first names on the team sheet when fit. Pellegrini, meanwhile, has started to rediscover his best form, but the murmurs about his place in the squad’s long-term project haven’t fully disappeared. With rumors swirling about potential summer reinforcements, Roma’s captain may need to prove once again why he’s the man to carry this club forward.

For now, though, the focus must be on the present, and these are the moments when Roma’s Senators need to stand tall. Against a Bilbao side that thrives on intensity and pressing, experience and leadership will be crucial. If Roma are to take a step closer to European glory, it will be up to the veterans who have led Roma to an ECL victory, a Europa League final, and a Europa League semi-final to set the tone—whether that’s Pellegrini dictating the tempo, Mancini keeping the backline in check, or Dybala providing that spark of brilliance. One way or another, this team’s fate still rests in their hands.

Match Details

Date: March 6th

Time: 21:00 CET/3:00 EST

Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Roma

Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI)