Europa League 2025-2026: Brann-Bologna, the likely lineups

Today, at 6:45 p.m., Bologna will face Brann at Brann Stadion in Bergen, Norway for the first leg of the Europa League play-off. This is an important challenge for the Rossoblù since it is the only chance to return to Europe next season after a below-expectation championship. Brann, an opponent within reach, represents the first hurdle to overcome to reach the round of 16, where they could meet Roma or Freiburg.

In last November’s match at the Dall’Ara, despite Lykogiannis’ expulsion, Bologna dominated the match but failed to score, ending 0-0. A draw that coachItalian considers his biggest regret of the first phase.In fact, with a win, Bologna could have avoided the play-offs and qualified directly among the top eight in the competition.

However, Brann stunned by finishing 24th in the group stage, a historic result for the Norwegian club that it had not achieved in as many as 20 years in the Europa League. For Bologna, therefore, it is a golden opportunity to revitalize itself and overcome an opponent that on paper is not impossible to beat.

The likely lineups

Brann (4-3-3):Dyngeland; De Roeve, Knudsen, Boakye, Dragsnes; Kornvig, Sorensen, Pedersen; Mathisen, Holm, Haaland. Coach Alexandersson

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Bologna (4-2-3-1):Skorupski; Joao Mario, Vitik, Lucumí, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Rowe; Castro. Coach Italian

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