Brann will welcome Bologna to the Brann Stadion on Thursday for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff, with the Norwegian side looking to maintain their impressive home record in Bergen.
The Red Rebels have had limited competitive action since early December, featuring only three times, all in this tournament. Their recent UEFA Europa League form has been underwhelming, having failed to win their last five games, but they still scraped into the knockout phase.
The Bergen side's home form offers little reassurance heading into this first-leg encounter, with just one win in their previous five competitive matches at their own ground.
Conversely, Bologna gathered momentum as their Europa League campaign progressed, winning three of their final four league-phase matches to finish just a point shy of the top eight.
However, they were recently eliminated from the Coppa Italia and suffered four consecutive Serie A defeats, but a 2–1 victory over Torino last weekend restored confidence.
That result also represented their third away win in four matches under Vincenzo Italiano, a sequence that includes a commanding 3–0 Europa League triumph against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Read our Brann vs Bologna predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Europa League predictions.
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Brann vs Bologna prediction: Away team to get a narrow win
Key statistics
- Both teams have scored in two of their last five matches, while three of those five games have produced over 2.5 total goals.
- Brann have lost three of their last five games across all competitions.
- Bologna have scored at least two goals in their last four away games.
Correct score prediction: Brann 1-2 Bologna
We expect a competitive match as both teams look to establish an early advantage in this fixture. We predict a 2-1 victory for Bologna because the Italian side possesses a level of individual quality that often proves decisive in European knockout scenarios.
While the home team are undoubtedly dangerous in transition and will benefit from the familiar conditions in Bergen, we believe the visitors will eventually secure a narrow away win.
Given that both teams have struggled to keep clean sheets in their most recent domestic matches, we expect a more open game this time around, with the visitors eventually finding the decisive goal.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bologna favoured away from home
- Home: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
- Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- Away: 10/11 (1.91) – 52.4%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The bookmakers favour Bologna to get a win in this game, with the visitors priced at 1.91, implying a 52.4% chance of securing victory on the road. That suggests confidence in their overall quality despite playing away from home.
Brann are considered underdogs at 4.00 (25.0%), while the draw sits at 3.50, reflecting a 28.6% probability and hinting at the possibility of a competitive contest. Overall, the odds indicate Bologna hold the upper hand, though not overwhelmingly so.
Most recent head-to-head: Stalemate in first-ever meeting
Looking at the history between these two sides, the recent record is limited to their meetings in the current 2025/26 campaign. The last encounter between Brann and Bologna resulted in a draw.
In their most recent competitive clash in November 2025, the teams played out a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Because this is a fresh rivalry in European competition, both managers will be looking to get their first win.
UEFA Europa League 06/11/25
Bologna
SK Brann
After reviewing our key Brann vs Bologna predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Brann preview: Long injury list despite fresh legs
Brann continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list that limits their squad depth ahead of this fixture. Saevar Atli Magnusson, Sakarias Opsahl, Eggert Aron Gudmundsson, Jonas Torsvik, Niklas Jensen Wassberg and Niklas Castro are all unavailable, leaving the host short of options across multiple areas of the pitch.
Predicted lineup: Dyngeland (GK), De Roeve, Knudsen, Boakye, Soltvedt, Mhyre, Sorensen, Pedersen, Haaland, Mathisen & Holm
Last five fixtures
- 13.02.26 – Brann 6–1 Odd (Club Friendly)
- 29.01.26 – Sturm Graz 1–0 Brann (Europa League)
- 22.01.26 – Brann 3–3 Midtjylland (Europa League)
- 16.01.26 – Slavia Prague 2–1 Brann (Club Friendly)
- 10.01.26 – Brann 1–1 FC Copenhagen (Club Friendly)
Bologna preview: Ongoing injury concern
Both Helland and veteran full-back Lorenzo De Silvestri have been left out of the updated UEFA squad list, reducing experienced options in defence.
However, January arrivals Joao Mario and Simon Sohm have been included, offering fresh alternatives following the winter transfer window.
Meanwhile, Charalampos Lykogiannis, who was sent off during the league-phase clash, remains unavailable due to a flexor injury, further limiting depth on the flank.
Predicted lineup: Skorupski (GK), Zortea, Lucumi, Casale, Miranda, Ferguson, Pobega, Orsolini, Odgaard, Bernardeschi & Dallinga
Last five fixtures
- 15.02.26 – Torino 1–2 Bologna (Serie A)
- 11.02.26 – Bologna 1–1 Lazio (P) (Coppa Italia)
- 08.02.26 – Bologna 0–1 Parma (Serie A)
- 03.02.26 – Bologna 0–3 AC Milan (Serie A)
- 29.01.26 – Maccabi Tel Aviv 0–3 Bologna (Europa League)
Player to watch: Federico Bernardeschi
Federico Bernardeschi is the player to watch for the Italian side, as he has been a vital creative force during their European campaign this season. The forward has contributed three goals in the competition.
His ability in front of goal makes him the primary threat to a Brann defence that has looked vulnerable during their recent winless streak. We believe his experience will be the difference-maker as Bologna seek to secure a positive result away from home.