Bologna vs Brann: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 26 February 2026
One of the second-leg matches of the 2025/26 Europa League play-off round will take place on Thursday in Bologna at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, where Bologna will host Norwegian side Brann. The Italians snatched a narrow 1-0 victory in Bergen, but considering the hosts' inconsistent scoring form, the intrigue in this tie is far from over. Here’s my take on the outcome of this clash.
Match preview
Vincenzo Italiano's side have hit a timely wave of momentum – three consecutive wins, including the success in Norway (1-0) and crucial Serie A victories over Torino (2-1) and Udinese (1-0). These results have helped the Rossoblù partially bounce back from their crisis, though they still trail the European qualification spots in the league by nine points. Against this backdrop, the Europa League is clearly becoming a top priority.
However, attacking play remains a soft spot. In February, Bologna have only scored more than one goal in a match once, and in two games they failed to find the net altogether. On top of that, they've conceded in 11 of their last 12 home fixtures – a worrying sign ahead of the return leg, where any conceded goal could ramp up the nerves dramatically.
The Norwegians are living on a unique schedule: official Europa League matches alternate with friendlies as they prepare for the new season. Before their first encounter with Bologna, Brann thrashed Odd 6-1, and just before their trip to Italy, they drew 2-2 with Sotra. Nevertheless, the 0-1 home defeat showed that when facing higher-level opposition, the team still lacks cutting edge.
Attacking absences are significant: the departure of key players and injuries to Castro and Gudmundsson have hit their frontline options hard. Some hope rests on Bard Finne, who bagged a brace in a friendly, but in Europe Brann tend to show more grit than results on the road – just two wins in their last ten away games. This season, they have already played in Italy in the group stage (0-0), but even with a man advantage, they couldn't make it count.
Probable lineups
- Bologna: Skorupski; Mario, Vitik, Lucumí, Zortea; Ferguson, Moro; Bernardeschi, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Dallinga.
- Brann: Dyngeland; De Røve, Boakye, Knutsen, Soltvedt; Mathisen, Horn Myhre, Sørensen; Dagur Thorsteinsson, Manni Ingason, Holm.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg in Bergen ended with a 1-0 win for Bologna.
- In three of Bologna's last five home matches and Brann's last five away matches, the total goals were under 2.5.
- In the group stage of the current Europa League campaign, the teams already met in Italy and played out a 0-0 draw.
Prediction
Bologna come into the game with a narrow but strategically vital advantage and improved recent form. However, their lack of clinical finishing and regular defensive lapses at home mean they can't afford to relax. If the Italians can avoid an early mistake, their pragmatic style should see them through to a logical outcome.
