Opinion: Five things we learned from Roma's 1-1 draw with Bologna

Roma were unable to find a winner against a determined Bologna defence on Monday, as the Giallorossi were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.

Here are five things we learned from the contest:

1. Edin Dzeko, and Roma, were rendered unlucky by injury

Heading into the clash with Bologna, much was said about whether Edin Dzeko warranted a start against Roberto Donadoni's men. Having scored two and assisted one in his last three games when coming off the bench, his case was certainly a strong one. Unfortunately for the Bosnian, however, while Luciano Spalletti was going to start him, he suffered a muscular injury in the build-up to the match and only featured as a substitute.

"He had a muscular problem and did us a favour by coming off the bench, because otherwise he was going to start this evening," as Spalletti explained.

With Roma drawing 1-1 with the Rossoblu, and firing in nearly 50 crosses during the game, it would've been fascinating to see what sort of impact the imposing Dzeko could've made against the well-regimented opposition defence had he been fit to start.

2. Daniele De Rossi's solid return to the starting lineup

It was fantastic to finally see Daniele De Rossi reinstalled into Roma's starting lineup for the first time since February 2. And he didn't disappoint, putting in an encouraging shift in the centre of the park, as he exhibited all of his customary intelligence and industry.

His two tackles, three interceptions and one clearance evidenced his solid defensive contribution, while the fact he completed 94 passes at just under a 90% rate of completion illustrated his quality in possession.

3. Despite drawing, the team put in a good performance

Despite ultimately not being able to win the match, Roma still put in an excellent overall showing. They had 14 shots, owned 67.6% of possession and hit the woodwork three times, in a match where luck just wasn't on their side. Impressively, they also showed their stirring powers of recovery to gain a point after going a goal down to ensure they've now gone unbeaten in 11 games.

In his post-match comments a content Spalletti justifiably praised his side's efforts, saying: “I told the lads I was happy with the way they played tonight."

“They did what they had to. We kept the ball for 70 minutes and had 15 shots on goal. Sometimes games are decided by fine margins – like hitting the post.”

4. Francesco Totti made an incisive impact

The introduction of Francesco Totti at half time instantly proved influential for the home side, as he provided a sublime, defence splitting assist for Mohamed Salah's 50th minute equaliser.

Moreover, his ability to manipulate and persistently cut open the drilled and organised Bologna defence certainly had an unsettling effect on them, and gave Roma some wonderful imagination in the final third.

5. Mohamed Salah had a mixed night in front of goal

Although he scored a wonderfully well-taken goal and was a constant menace throughout, the Egyptian dynamo would've been feeling mixed emotions about his performance following the final whistle. Hitting the post a staggering three times would have left a sour taste in his mouth for the unlucky attacker.

But, on the other hand, the man who unleashed six shots, made two key passes and embarked on three successful dribbles should still be proud of his output.