Vincenzo Italiano couldn’t say enough good things about Santiago Castro after Bologna’s 1-0 win away at Brann in the Europa League play-off. “Tonight, I saw a really mature performance,” he said.

Bologna couldn’t have asked for a better start in Bergen’s icy weather. Castro caught everyone off guard with a sharp, angled shot that slipped past the keeper just nine minutes in.

They had chances to add more; Orsolini and Dallinga both forced good saves. On the other end, Skorupski had to pull off a tricky double stop when Brann finally threatened.

For Italiano, this felt like a turning point. “We had to adapt; there was no way around it. We knew it’d be tough, so we checked the pitch last night, even in the dark,” he told Sky Sport Italia. When they arrived from Italy on Wednesday, the floodlights weren’t even on for their media duties.

“We couldn’t do much more than that. No sense risking injuries. We got the win, but it’s just a one-goal advantage.”

He’s already looking ahead to the return leg at the Dall’Ara. Hopefully, we do better at home. Honestly, every time we play there lately, it feels like we’re cursed.”

That away win gives Bologna a solid edge heading into Thursday’s second leg.

Things weren’t looking great for them at the start of 2026. Just two wins in fourteen matches – it was rough. Now, after beating Torino 2-1 away in Serie A and tonight’s win, they finally have some momentum.

“These two wins gave us a boost. It’s tough keeping your spirits up when you’re losing all the time and playing every three days. It chips away at the confidence you’ve built up,” Italiano said.

“Tonight, the team played with real maturity. I hope this becomes our standard. Start with the right attitude, and stay focused. We’re not giving up as many chances now, and that’s the difference. We have to keep that up.”

Castro’s on fire too; he’s scored in three straight games and made a point of celebrating with his coach tonight.

“Santi brings something special. He’s hungry. You see it at every training session, every minute he’s on the pitch. He’s even talking football on the bus,” Italiano said.

“It’s a joy to work with young players who are this hungry and willing to help the team. I’m thrilled he’s scoring consistently now.

“He’s so mature for his age. As a centre-forward, he sacrifices a lot for the team off the ball. I always tell him that hard work pays off. Just keep at it.”

Back in November, when these teams faced off in the group stage, it finished 0-0. Bologna had more chances, even with ten men for over an hour. That draw stung; they barely missed out on direct qualification for the Europa League Round of 16.

“We played a tough match against Torino last week because we couldn’t afford another slip-up,” Italiano said.

“These guys showed focus, grit, and a willingness to sacrifice. That's all I want from now until the end of the season. We’ve paid dearly for mistakes and slipped in the Serie A standings, but we can turn things around, especially at home.”

Igor Thiago’s loving life at Brentford after signing his new contract. He’s not thinking about leaving; he’s focused on helping the Bees chase big goals.

Brentford have climbed to seventh in the Premier League, and Thiago’s goals have played a huge part in that. If the season ended today, they’d be in the Conference League. That’s a big deal for the club, and for Thiago too.

Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Thiago’s happy where he is. He’s not looking to leave, and Brentford aren’t pushing him out the door. His contract runs until 2031, with an option for another year, so if anyone wants him, they’ll have to cough up serious money.

Still, Brown admits things can change fast in football. If a big offer comes in this summer, Brentford might cash in. That’s just how the club operates: they develop players, sell them for the right price, and then find the next star. It’s worked for them before.

Thiago has scored 17 goals in 26 league games this season. No wonder clubs like Newcastle and Tottenham are keeping an eye on him. But right now, he’s settled in West London. He’s not pushing for a move, and Brentford aren’t under pressure to sell.

“He’s scoring goals, Brentford are climbing the table, and he’s just got a pay rise. What's not to like?” Brown said. “He’s happy, they’re happy, and if someone wants him, they’ll have to pay up. But there’s no rush.”

Tottenham, meanwhile, has been looking for new strikers, but Thiago isn’t going anywhere for now. Spurs have also been linked with Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Aston Villa forward John Duran.

Football Insider revealed Tottenham passed on Duran in January. Duran ended up on loan at Zenit after a short spell at Fenerbahçe, following his exit from Villa last year. Villa let him go because they weren’t sure about his attitude, even though he’s clearly talented. Others seem to have the same concerns.