Di Vaio and Bologna use Fiorentina collapse to motivate squad | OneFootball

Bologna director Marco Di Vaio reveals he used Fiorentina’s predicament to motivate the team ahead of their Europa League play-off with SK Brann. ‘We passed on the message.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Fiorentina vs. Jagiellonia on the Liveblog.

The Rossoblu had been in dismal form to start 2026, but appear to have really turned a corner now with three consecutive victories in all competition.

That included last week’s 1-0 first leg play-off win in Norway, achieved thanks to a Santiago Castro strike.

Di Vaio keeps Bologna on their toes

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Nikola Moro of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 15, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“We need to be concentrated and have respect,” Di Vaio told Sky Sport Italia.

“We passed on the message to the players of what is happening in Florence, because you can take nothing for granted in Europe.”

As Bologna were warming up, Fiorentina had fumbled a 3-0 first leg advantage in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia.

“Our coach did very well, realising the system couldn’t handle three strikers, so we opted to find more solidity, and now want to get a sense of consistency to our results.

“I was a striker, so I know how important it is to help out the defenders. That is fundamental for our approach to football, now Santiago Castro is back on form, we hope Thijs Dallinga will get there too.”

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 15, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

It is a slender advantage in the Europa League play-off, especially considering their record at the Stadio Dall’Ara has been quite poor in the tournament so far this season.

That includes a 0-0 draw with SK Brann in November, albeit when Charalampos Lykogiannis was sent off in the opening half-hour.

It was confirmed yesterday that Juan Miranda will be out for circa three weeks after a muscular injury, joining Lykogiannis on the treatment table.

VERONA, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Domagoj Bradarić of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on January 15, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

However, Riccardo Orsolini is struggling for playing time at the moment.

“Orsolini is a reference point on and off the field for us, but he is also very unpredictable as a player,” added Di Vaio.

“We have a strong squad and everyone is important, including Orso. I expect a reaction from him, because he knows that he can be decisive at any moment.”