As the Serie A season heats up, Bologna and AC Milan prepare to face off in a crucial match at Stadio Dall’Ara on Saturday. Both teams enter this fixture looking to bounce back from Champions League disappointments and strengthen their domestic campaigns.
There are still concerns over whether or not the match will proceed, with the mayor of Bologna calling for the game to be postponed due to severe weather. Meanwhile, Serie A are insisting that the game has to be played, with postponement not an option.
AC Milan have found its footing in Serie A after a shaky start to the season. The Rossoneri secured a hard-fought victory over Udinese in their last league outing, with Samuel Chukwueze netting the winner. This followed a much-needed win against Club Brugge in the Champions League, where Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders starred.
Bologna, on the other hand, are struggling to replicate last season’s impressive form. The Rossoblu let a two-goal lead slip in their recent draw with Genoa, extending their streak of draws to six in eight Serie A matches. Their Champions League campaign has been even more disappointing, with three straight losses leaving them pointless and goalless.
History favours AC Milan in this matchup. The Rossoneri are unbeaten in their last 17 league encounters with Bologna, winning 13 of those matches. Bologna’s last victory against Milan at the Dall’Ara dates back to 2002, highlighting the monumental task ahead for Vincenzo Italiano’s side.
Team News
AC Milan will be without key players Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders due to suspensions. This could open up opportunities for Samu Chukwueze or Noah Okafor in the starting lineup. Alvaro Morata is expected to lead the attack, supported by the in-form Christian Pulisic, who has contributed to goals in his last seven Serie A appearances.
Bologna faces its own selection challenges, with Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, Martin Erlic, and Lewis Ferguson all sidelined. Michel Aebischer is also doubtful with an adductor issue. Vincenzo Italiano must decide between Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga to spearhead the attack.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Moro, Fabbian; Orsolini, Castro, Ndoye
Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Tomori, Gabbia, Terracciano; Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Match Prediction
While Bologna’s home advantage cannot be discounted, AC Milan’s superior form and historical dominance in this fixture give them the edge. The Rossoneri’s attacking prowess, led by Pulisic and Morata, should prove too much for Bologna’s struggling defence.
Milan are expected to capitalize on Bologna’s recent tendency to drop points from winning positions and secure their third consecutive victory. However, the absence of key players like Hernandez and Reijnders could make this a closer contest than the form book suggests.
Prediction: Bologna 1-2 AC Milan
