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

The Bologna returns to the field in Europa League with a clear goal: to detach the pass for the round of 16. On Thursday, Feb. 26, the Red and Blue host at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium the Norwegians of the Brann, on the strength of the’1-0 win in the first leg thanks to Castro’s seal. The Felsinei will have to manage the advantage gained in Norway, but without making any calculations: a Brann goal would reopen everything. Therefore, balance will be needed between prudence and the desire to close the accounts immediately in front of the friendly public.

Vincenzo Italiano starts again with the 4-2-3-1 and a Lukasz Skorupski returned guarantee between the posts: just one goal conceded in the last three games and titularity regained after a complicated period between injury and fluctuating performances. In defense, almost obligatory choices: Heggem is recovered but not at his best, so Lucumí and Vitik will act in the center. On the side lanes, Miranda’s absence weighs heavily, with Joao Mario on the right and Zortea adapted to the left. Still unavailable is Lykogiannis.

In midfield, Italiano will confirm the set-up with Freuler in the box, flanked by Ferguson and Moro, although Odgaard is pawing the ground and hopes to find space in the midfield role in the game. In attack, room for Bernardeschi and Santiago Castro, decisive in the first leg. On the left flank, the ballot between Cambiaghi and Rowe remains open, with the former slightly favored for a shirt from the first minute.

Brann will present itself with Dyngeland in goal and a four-man defense formed by De Roeve, Knudsen, Boakye and Dragsnes. Sorensen, Myhre and No. 10 Ingason will act in the middle of the field. Up front, a trident composed of Mathisen, Thorsteinsson and Holm, only namesake of the former red and blue fullback who switched to Juventus in the January market. There are a few doubts for coach Alexandersson: Pedersen will undermine Myhre in midfield, while Haaland (not related to the Manchester City striker’s) will play a shirt on the left with Thorsteinsson, who still starts favored.

Probable lineups

BOLOGNA (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Joao Mario, Vitik, Lucumí, Zortea; Freuler, Moro; Bernardeschi, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro. All.Italiano.

BRANN (4-3-3):Dyngeland; De Roeve, Pallesen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Ingason, Sorensen, Myhre; Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson. All.Alexandersson