Brighton vs Bologna – News and Probable Lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion will finalize their preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 Premier League season with a friendly match against the Italian side Bologna this Saturday afternoon.

The Seagulls enter this fixture following a convincing 3-0 victory over Roma, while Bologna recently faced a disappointing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Pisa.

Match overview

Brighton has played three matches during pre-season, beginning their build-up to the new season with a notable 4-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers on July 18.

The Seagulls then secured a 4-3 win against Strasbourg, followed by their recent 3-0 triumph over Roma. This match will be their last pre-season outing before they kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on August 23.

Under head coach Fabian Hurzeler, the club has been active in the summer transfer window, bringing in six new players, the most notable of which is Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur.

Additionally, 14 players have departed, either through transfers or loans, leading to a revamped squad for the forthcoming season.

Brighton concluded last season in eighth place in the Premier League, which granted them entry into the playoff round of the Conference League.

Bologna, on the other hand, has had a busy pre-season schedule, participating in six matches, achieving three wins, two losses, and one draw.

The Red and Blues will head into this match after their recent 4-1 loss to Pisa, which came on the heels of three straight wins against Iraklis 1908 and Cambuur (twice).

This summer, head coach Domenico Tedesco has made five signings, the most significant being Mikel Amondarain from Estudiantes in terms of transfer fee.

Notably, 20 players have left the club, either permanently or on loan, resulting in substantial changes this summer, with Tedesco also joining as the new manager.

Bologna finished in eighth position in Serie A last season, narrowly missing out on the playoff round for the Conference League by just three points.

Team News

Brighton’s lineup could remain unchanged from the one that faced Roma last time out, which was an impressive showing from the Seagulls.

Coach Hurzeler is expected to make substitutions as the match progresses to ensure his players are effectively prepared for the beginning of the new Premier League season.

Midfielders Yasin Ayari and Pascal Gross are likely to continue in their roles, while Georginio Rutter could find a place in the forward line.

However, Carlos Baleba will not be available due to an ankle injury.

Bologna is anticipated to feature several of their new signings in this fixture, including Amondarain, Tommaso Pobega, and Rahim Alhassane.

Promising center-back Jhon Lucumi, who has been rumored to be moving to the Premier League this summer, is expected to start in the lineup.

Jonathan Rowe is likely to occupy a spot in the attacking third for Bologna.

Brighton & Hove Albion probable starting XI:

Overuse; Wieffer, Vuskovic, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Gross, Ayari; Gomez, Hinshelwood, Minteh; Rutter

Bologna probable starting XI:

Skorupski; De Silvestri, Helland, Lucumi, Alhassane; Ferguson, Pobega, Amandarain; Orsolini, Dovbyk, Rowe

Brighton has won all three of their pre-season friendlies this summer, but it’s expected that Bologna will be capable of securing a draw this Saturday afternoon.