Bologna vs SK Brann Preview: Predictions, Team News, Lineups
Bologna will look to secure their place in the next round of the Europa League when they face SK Brann. The match will take place at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday. After a narrow victory in the first leg, Bologna holds a crucial 2-0 aggregate lead.
Bologna vs SK Brann: Match Preview
Bologna achieved a significant win last Thursday, thanks to Santiago Castro’s early goal. This victory marks a pivotal moment for the Italian club as they aim to progress in their first UEFA knockout tie in 26 years.
With an impressive Europa League unbeaten streak, Bologna has not lost since their opening match against Aston Villa. Their eight-match unbeaten run represents their best performance in European competitions since 1971.
Recent Form
- Bologna’s recent form: L, L, L, W, W, W
- SK Brann’s recent form: D, D, L, D, L, L
Despite finishing 10th in the league phase, Bologna has found some momentum. The Rossoblu recently climbed to eighth place in Serie A after victories over Torino and Udinese, with the latter ending a four-match home losing streak.
Bologna has never lost a home knockout match in their European history. They boast 16 wins and 11 draws from 27 previous encounters at home.
SK Brann’s Challenge
In contrast, SK Brann secured their knockout spot by finishing 24th in the league phase, managing just one point from their last three matches. They previously achieved their best result in the UEFA competition during the 2007-08 season, reaching the last 32.
Brann finished fourth in Norway’s top league last season, earning them a place in next year’s Conference League. However, they lack competitive domestic matches to draw from as they prepare for this crucial tie.
The last encounter between these teams saw Brann held to a goalless draw at Bologna in November, extending their winless streak against Italian clubs to four matches.
Team News
Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano could have most of his first-choice players available if Torbjorn Heggem overcomes a minor hip issue. However, the team will be without defenders Eivind Helland and Lorenzo De Silvestri, as well as Charalampos Lykogiannis due to injury.
Brann, on the other hand, faces several absences. Saevar Atli Magnusson, Eggert Aron Gudmundsson, Jonas Torsvik, Niklas Jensen Wassberg, Sakarias Opsahl, and Niklas Castro will not be part of the squad.
Midfielder Jacob Sorensen is expected to play a key role, having excelled during the league phase by winning the most duels of any player.
Projected Lineups
| Bologna | SK Brann |
|---|---|
| Skorupski | Dyngeland |
| Zortea, Lucumi, Casale, Miranda | De Roeve, Knudsen, Boakye, Soltvedt |
| Ferguson, Freuler, Moro | Mhyre, Sorensen, Ingason |
| Bernardeschi, Cambiaghi | Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson |
| Castro |
Conclusion and Prediction
Bologna is favored to win this matchup, holding a solid lead from the first leg. With their current form and home advantage, they are expected to triumph over SK Brann, potentially securing a 2-0 aggregate victory. This match represents a crucial opportunity for Bologna to continue their progress in the Europa League.
