đź“… Date: 27/02/2025
⏰ Kick-off: 20:45 (CET)
🏟️ Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy
Match Overview
In a crucial Serie A fixture, Bologna will host AC Milan at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. With both teams battling for vital points — Bologna pushing for a European spot and Milan aiming to stay in the Serie A title race — this match has huge implications for both sides. The atmosphere at Bologna’s home ground is expected to be electric, with the RossoblĂą eager to pull off an upset against the Rossoneri.
Team Form and Analysis
Bologna’s Current Form
Under the guidance of Thiago Motta, Bologna has shown impressive development this season. They’ve adopted a well-structured, possession-based style of play that blends youthful energy with experience. Their solid home form makes them a difficult opponent for any visiting team.
Strengths:
- Strong midfield control
- Well-organized defense
- Effective set-pieces
Weaknesses:
- Lack of consistent goal scorers
- Struggles to break down defensive blocks
Key Players:
- Riccardo Orsolini: Bologna’s primary attacking threat, Orsolini’s pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability from the right wing can exploit Milan’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Lewis Ferguson: A box-to-box midfielder, Ferguson’s work rate and ability to join attacks from deep will be crucial in breaking down Milan’s defense.
- Joshua Zirkzee: The young striker will use his physicality and technical ability to challenge Milan’s defense.
- Lukasz Skorupski: Bologna’s reliable goalkeeper, Skorupski will need to be at his best to keep Milan’s attacking force at bay.
Bologna will look to control the tempo of the game, using quick transitions to exploit Milan’s high defensive line.
AC Milan’s Current Form
Managed by Stefano Pioli, AC Milan is firmly in the hunt for the Serie A title. The Rossoneri have been impressive in attack, with the likes of Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud leading the charge. However, Milan’s defensive vulnerabilities away from home have cost them important points this season.
Strengths:
- Fluid attacking play
- Quick wing play
- Set-piece efficiency
Weaknesses:
- Defensive lapses, especially against teams pressing high
Key Players:
- Rafael Leão: Milan’s star winger, Leão’s explosive pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat to Bologna’s defense.
- Olivier Giroud: The veteran striker remains crucial for Milan, with his link-up play, aerial presence, and clinical finishing.
- Theo Hernández: A dynamic left-back, Hernández’s overlapping runs and crossing provide added attacking options for Milan.
- Mike Maignan: Milan’s dependable goalkeeper, Maignan’s leadership and shot-stopping ability will be key to securing a positive result.
Milan will likely look to dominate possession early, using their wide players to stretch Bologna’s defense and create space for Giroud in the box.
Head-to-Head Record
In recent years, AC Milan has dominated this fixture, winning their last five encounters against Bologna.
- Last season: Milan won 2-1 at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara and 2-0 at San Siro.
- Key stat: Bologna has not beaten AC Milan since 2016, showing Milan’s dominance in this fixture.
Tactics and Game Plan
Bologna’s Approach:
Expect Thiago Motta to set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to control the midfield and use wide players like Orsolini and Zirkzee to exploit gaps in Milan’s defense. Bologna may also press high early to disrupt Milan’s build-up play and force mistakes.
AC Milan’s Approach:
Stefano Pioli will likely opt for a 4-3-3 system, with Leão and Pulisic providing width, while Giroud acts as the target man. Milan will focus on dominating possession, using Theo Hernández’s overlapping runs to create chances and stretch Bologna’s backline.
Key Battle:
Leão vs. Posch — If Bologna’s right-back, Posch, cannot contain Leão, it could be a long evening for the hosts.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is known for its slightly tighter pitch, which could benefit Bologna’s more compact style.
Weather: Cold but clear conditions are expected, which should create an ideal setting for a fast-paced Serie A match.
Match Prediction
Prediction: Bologna 1-2 AC Milan
Goal Scorers:
- Bologna: Riccardo Orsolini (62’)
- AC Milan: Rafael Leão (28’), Olivier Giroud (77’)
Reasoning:
- Milan’s attacking firepower: With Leão and Giroud in form, Milan should have enough quality to break down Bologna’s defense, especially if they exploit the gaps left by Bologna’s high press.
- Bologna’s home advantage: Bologna will make it difficult for Milan, but their lack of clinical finishing may be their downfall, especially when facing quality players like Leão and Giroud.
- Experience matters: Milan’s experience in high-pressure matches should give them the edge in the final stages, with Giroud’s aerial threat and Leão’s pace likely to prove decisive.