Brann vs Bologna Prediction - UEFA Europa League: A significant difference in class.

The clash between Brann and Bologna at 00:45 on February 20, 2026, in the UEFA Europa League showcases a stark contrast in form. While the Italian side is showing stability to maintain its position in the top 10, the home team Brann is going through its most difficult period of the season so far.

Contrasting positions on the leaderboard

Bologna currently sits 10th in the league table with 15 points after 8 matches. The Italian team displays a pragmatic yet highly effective style of play, with 4 wins and only 1 loss. Their positive goal difference of 7 (14 goals scored, 7 goals conceded) reflects the team's balance across all lines.

Conversely, Brann is languishing in 24th place with just 9 points. Notably, despite having played 12 matches (4 more than their opponents), the home team has been unable to improve their ranking. With an average of 1.1 goals conceded per game, Brann's defense is a major headache for the coaching staff against the attacking prowess of Serie A teams.

Form and squad situation

In terms of form over their last five matches, Bologna have maintained an unbeaten record with three wins and two draws. They are particularly dangerous away from home, with three away wins since the start of the season. Meanwhile, Brann are experiencing a run of five consecutive matches without a win (three draws, two losses), losing much of their confidence.

The personnel situation also favors the away team. Brann faces a serious squad crisis with as many as six players absent, including key players like S. Magnusson (knee injury), S. Opsahl (leg injury), and J. Torsvik. On the Bologna side, the most regrettable absences are C. Lykogiannis due to a hamstring injury and L. De Silvestri with an abdominal muscle problem, but the depth of their squad still allows them to effectively implement their tactical system.

Head-to-head history and tactical predictions

In their most recent encounter in November 2025, the two teams drew 0-0. However, in this rematch, experts estimate Bologna's chances of winning at 45%, equal to the probability of a draw, while Brann's chances are only 10%.

With their possession-based style of play and excellent attacking ability (averaging 1.8 goals per game), Bologna are likely to proactively push forward to seek an early goal. Brann, with the home advantage, may opt for a defensive counter-attacking style, but with their unstable defense, this will be a huge challenge for the Norwegian side.

Team lineup updated at 00:15 on February 20, 2026.

Official lineup

Brann

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachFreyr Alexandersson

Starting lineup:

• 1. Matias Dyngeland (G)
• 21. Denzel De Roeve (D)
• 3. Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen (D)
• 4. Nana Kwame Boakye (D)
• 17. Joachim Soltvedt (D)
• 10. Kristall Mani Ingason (F)
• 18. Jacob Lungi Sørensen (M)
• 8. Felix Horn Myhre (M)
• 14. Ulrik Mathisen (M)
• 29. Noah Jean Holm (F)
• 16. Jón Dagur Þórsteinsson (F)

Substitutes:

• 12. Simen Vidtun Nilsen
• 24. Mathias Engevik Klausen
• 20. Vetle Winger Dragsnes
• 23. Thore Baardsen Pedersen
• 43. Rasmus Holten
• 40. Jesper Nerhus Eikrem
• 41. Lars Remmem
• 11. Bard Finne
• 27. Mads Berg Sande
• 32. Markus Haaland

Bologna

Diagram: 4-3-2-1

CoachVincenzo Italiano

Starting lineup:

• 1. Łukasz Skorupski (G)
• 20. Nadir Zortea (M)
• 41. Martin Vitík (D)
• 26. Jhon Lucumí (D)
• 33. Juan Miranda (D)
• 6. Nikola Moro (M)
• 8. Remo Freuler (M)
• 19. Lewis Ferguson (M)
• 10. Federico Bernardeschi (M)
• 28. Nicolò Cambiaghi (F)
• 9. Santiago Castro (F)

Substitutes:

• 13. Federico Ravaglia
• 25. Massimo Pessina
• 14. Torbjørn Heggem
• 16. Nicolò Casale
• 17. João Mário
• 4. Tommaso Pobega
• 7. Riccardo Orsolini
• 21. Jens Odgaard
• 23. Simon Sohm
• 30. Benjamín Domínguez
• 11. Jonathan Rowe
• 24. Thijs Dallinga