Match Overview
The rescheduled Serie A clash between Bologna and AC Milan, originally set for late October, finally sees the light of day this Thursday at the Stadio Renato dall’Ara. Both sides come into this game with different stakes but a shared urgency. Milan, reeling from recent setbacks, must win to stay in the top-four race, while Bologna aims to build momentum for their own late surge. The match, kicking off at 20:45 CET, will be officiated by Maurizio Mariani, with VAR assistance from Di Bello.
Team News and Lineups
Milan’s preparation for this game has been marred by recent disappointments, including their Champions League exit and a loss to Torino. Manager Sergio Conceicao, known for his strategic acumen, is likely to tweak the lineup to address these struggles. The "Fantastic Four" might see a reshuffle, with Rafael Leao possibly making way. Malick Thiaw, who had a poor outing against Torino, is expected to be benched. Key absences due to injuries include Alessandro Florenzi, Emerson Royal, and potentially Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kyle Walker, who are nearing returns. The predicted starting XI for Milan is Maignan; Jimenez, Tomori, Pavlovic, Theo; Fofana, Musah; Pulisic, Reijnders, Felix; and Gimenez.
Bologna’s Season and Form
Bologna, fresh off a fifth-place finish last season, have had a tumultuous campaign. The departure of head coach Thiago Motta and key players like Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori has left a significant void. New signings, including Thijs Dallinga and Nicolo Cambiaghi, have struggled to fill the gaps. Vincenzo Italiano, the new manager, has faced a tough start but has shown promising signs lately. Despite a 2-0 loss to Parma, Bologna has demonstrated resilience, recording notable wins and draws against top teams. The predicted Bologna lineup is Ravaglia; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro, Pobega; Ndoye, Castro, and Cambiaghi.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
AC Milan and Bologna share a rich history, having faced each other in 186 competitive matches across all competitions. Milan holds a slight edge with 87 wins to Bologna’s 52. The Rossoneri have been particularly dominant in recent years, remaining unbeaten in their last 17 Serie A encounters against Bologna. Milan’s last defeat to Bologna was in January 2016. Notably, Milan has lost only two away games to Bologna this millennium, both in consecutive seasons at the turn of the millennium. The last home win for Bologna against Milan was in March 2002.
Key Facts and Stats
The match presents several intriguing statistical landmarks. Milan is on a 17-game unbeaten streak against Bologna in Serie A, with only three teams having faced a longer unbeaten run. Bologna, meanwhile, has a strong home record, having lost just one of their last 16 home league games. The Rossoneri, on the other hand, have spent a significant amount of time leading away from home this season. Santiago Castro, with six goals, is close to becoming only the second foreign player to score at least seven goals in a Serie A season before turning 21 for Bologna. Tijjani Reijnders has also been a standout for Milan, scoring eight goals this season, a tally last achieved by Antonio Nocerino in 2011/12.
Ones to Watch
Davide Calabria – The former Milan right-back returns to the Stadio Renato dall’Ara in an emotionally charged game. His familiarity with Milan’s tactics could provide a significant advantage to Bologna.
Dan Ndoye – Bologna’s right wing will be a key battleground, with Ndoye poised to test Theo Hernandez. His pace and creativity can pose a significant threat to Milan’s defense.
Fikayo Tomori – The center-back must rise to the occasion after Malick Thiaw’s poor performance. Tomori’s reliability is crucial for Milan’s defensive stability.
Joao Felix – On loan from Atletico Madrid, Felix has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to establish himself as a key player. A strong performance could solidify his position in the starting lineup.
Prediction
Given the high stakes and the fine margins between the two teams, this game is expected to be a tense and closely contested affair. Both sides will be cautious, knowing a loss could be costly in their respective campaigns. A draw seems the most likely outcome, with both teams managing to find the back of the net.
Final Score: Bologna 1-1 Milan
