Vincenzo Italia believes Bologna “did enough in these two games” to deserve their place in the Europa League play-offs against SK Brann as they prepare to face Roma or Freiburg.
The Red and Blues won the first leg in Norway 1-0, but were told during the warm-up that Fiorentina had lost a 3-0 advantage in the divisional league match against Jagiellonian.
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Their start remained shaky, requiring three big saves from Lukasz Skorupski and a goal-line clearance from Remo Freuler, but Jacob Sorensen’s red card hurt Bryan.
Joao Mario finally scored the winning goal after taking one of 13 corners, and Benjamin Dominguez hit the woodwork in stoppage time.
Italians expect Bologna to struggle
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano addresses the players during the warm-up before the 2025/26 Europa League knockout second leg match between FC Bologna 1909 and SK Brann at the Renato Dalara Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
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“Honestly, the first 20 minutes were what I expected because Bryan only had one result so they were forced to fight,” the Italian told Sky Sports Italia.
“We made too many mistakes and we could have done more if Luo and Bernardeschi were in good positions. Once we had an extra man we made the most of the situation and I think between the two games we did enough to deserve promotion.
“Our aim was to stay in the cup competitions in March and we did that in Europe, unfortunately not the Coppa Italia.”
Another reason for Bryan to switch gears is that their domestic leagues are on hiatus, so they can only focus on the Europa League.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Bologna’s Joao Mario celebrates his team’s first goal with teammates Nikola Moro and Martin Vitik during the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League knockout second leg match at the Renato Dalara Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy, played by Bologna FC 1909 team and SK Brann team. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
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“It was important to get the result from the first leg because we knew Bryan would be in good shape, especially as we had a lot of games ahead of us. We knew their pace could be an issue for us and we played a smart game in Norway.
“They gave us problems in the first 20 minutes tonight but we are trying to stay more solid and avoid dangerous counter-attacks, which we have allowed too often in recent months.”
Bologna have advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League and will find out whether they will be paired with Freiburg or fellow Italians Roma in tomorrow’s draw.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Bologna’s Federico Bernardeschi is challenged by SK Brann’s Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson during the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League knockout second leg match between FC Bologna 1909 and SK Brann at the Renato d’Alla Alla Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
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Jens Odegaard is a substitute tonight but the coach hit back at suggestions he is no longer first-choice for Bologna.
“I read this week that Odegaard was pushed to the fringes of the team, which is unthinkable. We rested him for many games and then changed our strategy, but when he came off the bench he showed what he can do with this quality. Whether he starts or not, he is still an important player for us,” insisted the Italian.
“Joao Mario is introverted and shy and I think he needs to start smiling more. To be honest, I was a little worried at first but he relaxed and is now showing why he plays regularly for Porto and was signed by Juventus. He can play on the right or left, defends well and scored today.”
