Feb. 26, 2026, 9:30 a.m. ET
The UEFA Europa League knockout playoffs resume on Thursday as Bologna hosts Brann for the second leg of their matchup, with the hosts holding a slim 1-0 advantage.
Bologna controlled the first leg from start to finish, taking the lead inside nine minutes and defending it comfortably. The Italians have won three of their last four matches in all competitions, including a Serie A win over Udinese on Monday.
Vincenzo Italiano’s side hasn’t lost any of its last four Europa League home games and is conceding under one goal per game in its last five matches. After dominating away from home, Bologna will be looking to replicate that performance in its own stadium.
Watch Bologna vs. Brann on Paramount+
Brann is in a tough spot after failing to take advantage of its home match in the tie. Freyr Alexandersson’s side managed just four shots in the first leg and has played only a 2-2 friendly against a third-tier Norwegian club since then. That’s not much preparation for a trip to Italy.
The visitors are winless in their last four matches and haven’t scored against Bologna in either meeting this season. The outlook for snagging a result at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Thursday is looking bleak.
If you are looking for betting advice for the matchup, we’ve got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of OddsWire.
Bologna vs. Brann game odds
Bologna vs. Brann prediction, pick
Bologna’s defensive record, home-field advantage and aggregate lead make it a strong favorite to advance. Brann hasn’t scored against Bologna in two meetings already and lacks the match sharpness to change that. Bologna strolls into the last 16.
Prediction: Bologna 2, Brann 0
Bologna vs. Brann channel, start time, streaming
- When: Thursday, February 26
- Where: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (Bologna, Italy)
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: Paramount+ (WATCH HERE)
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.