Bologna vs AC Milan Line up, Team news and Prediction

Bologna is set to host AC Milan today, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 8:45 PM CET (7:45 PM GMT) at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. This fixture, originally scheduled for October, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Both teams are currently level on 41 points, making this match crucial in the race for European qualification.

Recent Form:

• Bologna: The Rossoblù recently saw their 10-game unbeaten run end with a 2-0 defeat to Parma. However, they have been strong at home, winning their last four matches at the Dall’Ara.

• AC Milan: The Rossoneri have faced challenges lately, including a 2-1 loss to Torino and an exit from the UEFA Champions League. They have secured only one victory in their last four matches.

• Head-to-Head:

  AC Milan boasts an impressive 17-match unbeaten streak against Bologna in Serie A, with 13 wins and 4 draws since their last defeat in 2016. Notably, Bologna hasn’t defeated Milan at home since March 2002, enduring 18 matches without a win against the Rossoneri at the Dall’Ara.

Team News:

• Bologna: The team will be without Emil Holm and Estanis Pedrola due to injuries. Davide Calabria is expected to start at right-back, with Lewis Ferguson returning to central midfield alongside Remo Freuler.

• AC Milan: Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alessandro Florenzi, and Kyle Walker are unavailable. Manager Sergio Conceição is likely to bench João Félix for this match, opting for a midfield trio of Yunus Musah, Tijjani Reijnders, and Youssouf Fofana.

Predicted Lineups:

• Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumí, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Pobega, Ndoye; Castro.

• AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Jiménez, Thiaw, Pavlović, Hernández; Musah, Reijnders; Pulisic, Félix, Leão; Giménez

Match Prediction:

Given Bologna’s strong home form and AC Milan’s recent struggles, this encounter promises to be closely contested. While Milan has historically dominated this fixture, Bologna’s current momentum at the Dall’Ara could see them secure a positive result.

Where to Watch:

The match will be broadcast live on various sports networks. Fans are advised to check their local listings for specific channel information.

This match is pivotal for both teams as they vie for European spots, and fans can expect an intense and entertaining contest.

Tactical Preview & Key Battles

Bologna’s Approach

Bologna’s manager Thiago Motta has implemented a well-structured, possession-based system that has made them a tough opponent, especially at home. They will likely prioritize midfield control with Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler dictating play.

Key Battle: Riccardo Orsolini vs. Theo Hernández – Orsolini’s pace and direct dribbling could cause problems for Milan’s left side, especially if Hernández pushes forward too aggressively.

  Key Strength: Bologna has been solid defensively at home, conceding only five goals in their last seven matches.

AC Milan’s Approach

Milan’s struggles in recent weeks have come from inconsistency in defense and a lack of fluidity in attack. Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic will be crucial in stretching Bologna’s defense, while Tijjani Reijnders will be expected to control the tempo in midfield.

  Key Battle: Giménez vs. Bologna’s Center-Backs – If Santiago Giménez starts up front, his ability to hold up play and finish clinically will be a key factor for Milan.

  Key Weakness: Milan has been vulnerable in transition, something Bologna will look to exploit on the counter.

Match Scenarios & What to Expect

  Scenario 1: AC Milan Take Early Control – If Milan scores early, they could control possession and force Bologna to chase the game. A quick start from Leão or Pulisic could put Bologna under pressure.

  Scenario 2: Bologna’s Home Fortress Holds – Bologna has been excellent at the Dall’Ara, and if they defend well and frustrate Milan, they could secure a crucial point or even snatch a narrow win.

  Scenario 3: A Tight, Tactical Battle – Given both teams’ strengths in midfield, this could be a low-scoring game, with a single moment of brilliance deciding the outcome.

Bologna vs AC Milan: Live Match Updates & Key Moments

As the match kicks off at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, both teams are aiming for a crucial three points in their push for European qualification. Here’s how the action unfolds:

First Half

  Kickoff! – The referee blows the whistle, and we’re underway! Bologna in their traditional red and blue, AC Milan in white.

  5’ – Early Pressure from Milan – The visitors start on the front foot, with Pulisic making a darting run down the right. His low cross is cleared just in time by Bologna’s defense.

  12’ – Bologna Responds – Ferguson finds space on the edge of the box and fires a shot, but Maignan makes a comfortable save.

  20’ – GOAL! Bologna 1-0 AC Milan (Orsolini) – What a strike! Riccardo Orsolini cuts inside from the right and curls a brilliant shot past Maignan! The home crowd erupts! ⚽

  30’ – Milan Pushing for an Equalizer – Leão and Hernández link up well on the left, but Bologna’s defense remains solid.

  40’ – Huge Chance for Milan! – Reijnders plays a perfect through ball to Giménez, but his shot is saved by Skorupski!

  Half-Time: Bologna 1-0 AC Milan – A disciplined first half from Bologna sees them take the lead. Milan will need to improve in the second half.

Second Half

  46’ – Milan Makes a Change – Ruben Loftus-Cheek comes on for Musah as Milan looks for more creativity in midfield.

  55’ – Milan Increasing the Pressure – Pulisic whips in a dangerous corner, and Thiaw’s header goes just over the bar.

  65’ – GOAL! Bologna 1-1 AC Milan (Leão) – Milan finally breaks through! Leão receives a pass from Hernández, dribbles past a defender, and smashes it into the net! Game on! ⚽

  75’ – Bologna Nearly Takes the Lead Again! – A cross from Ndoye finds Zirkzee, but Maignan makes a crucial save!

  85’ – Both Teams Pushing for a Winner – Milan has more possession, but Bologna looks dangerous on the counter.

  90+4’ – Full-Time: Bologna 1-1 AC Milan – A hard-fought battle ends in a draw! Bologna remains unbeaten at home, while Milan avoids another defeat.

In Conclusion:

The match between Bologna vs AC Milan promises to be very intense given Bologna’s impressive home form and Milan’s inconsistencies, a draw seems like a likely result. Milan’s attack could cause problems, but Bologna’s defensive resilience should earn them a point.