Vincenzo Italiano reveals the injury problems forcing changes to Bologna in the Europa League play-off against SK Brann. ‘We must adapt to a pitch that is not in good condition.’
It kicks off at the Brann Stadion in Bergen at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
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The second leg will be at the Stadio Dall’Ara next Thursday, February 26.
These teams already met in the league phase during a 0-0 draw on November 6, when Bologna were unlucky not to get all three points, despite being down to 10 men for over an hour.
Italiano forced into Bologna changes
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Vincenzo Italiano head coach of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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When Bologna arrived last night, they couldn’t have a proper pitch inspection, as the floodlights were switched off, so today was an unpleasant surprise.
“The pitch is not in good condition, so we must adapt immediately to what I think will become an increasingly muddy surface,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ll also see what their approach is, as often when they are under pressure, they start hitting long balls, so we need to be alert on the rebounds.”
VIGO, SPAIN – DECEMBER 11: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Real Club Celta and Bologna FC 1909 at Estadio Balaidos on December 11, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
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The Rossoblu had been in a dire crisis during 2026, crashing out of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals to Lazio on penalties, managing two wins in 14 competitive games.
That was ended with Sunday’s badly-needed 2-1 Serie A victory away to Torino, which got them back on track.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia match between Bologna FC and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 11, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was somewhat surprising to see Santiago Castro start upfront rather than Thijs Dallinga, but there is a reason for that.
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“Dallinga’s ankle is not in good shape, and in those final 20 minutes against Torino, we preferred to play Odgaard there because Thijs is not at 100 per cent.
“Other than that, with the pitch like this, we needed a bit more power and physicality in the side, especially on the flanks with Bernardeschi helping the full-back,” explained the coach.
“We need to get a result that leaves the second leg open for us, must avoid superficiality, and if there are any scoring opportunities, we’ve got to take them. That might mean leaving the ball to a teammate in a better position and not being egotistical.”