In a thrilling encounter at San Siro, AC Milan triumphed over Bologna with a score of 3-1 in the opening match of the 36th round of Serie A on May 9, 2025. This victory was crucial for the Rossoneri as they aim to secure European football for next season, while it dealt a significant blow to Bologna's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
The match began with Bologna taking an unexpected lead in the 49th minute when Riccardo Orsolini's shot caught AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan off guard. However, Milan responded vigorously, with Santi Giménez equalizing in the 73rd minute. The Mexican striker then put Milan ahead shortly after, and he sealed the victory with a second goal in the dying moments of the match, at 90+2 minutes.
This win brings AC Milan closer to the European qualification spots, now just three points behind Lazio, who currently occupy the sixth position. The Rossoneri's performance was notable, especially considering they have a crucial Coppa Italia final against Bologna scheduled for next Wednesday at the Olimpico in Rome. Milan has not lifted the Coppa Italia trophy in 22 years, and a victory in that match could salvage what has been an inconsistent season for the club.
For Bologna, the loss is particularly disheartening as they remain seventh in the league table with 62 points, just outside the Champions League qualification zone. Juventus, Roma, and Lazio are all just one point ahead, putting pressure on Bologna to regain form in their final matches. The defeat at San Siro may have been a turning point, as Bologna had hoped to build momentum heading into the Coppa Italia final.
AC Milan's coach has been analyzing Bologna's weaknesses leading up to this match, and his strategy paid off as the team executed their game plan effectively. The Rossoneri's attacking trio, consisting of Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão, and the aforementioned Giménez, proved too much for Bologna's defense to handle.
Despite the setback, Bologna has shown resilience throughout the season, with recent draws against Juventus and Udinese demonstrating their competitive spirit. However, they will need to regroup quickly to face Milan again in the cup final, where they will be looking to avenge this league defeat.
The match was broadcast live on DAZN and Sky, allowing fans to witness the high-stakes clash between these two Serie A sides. With the season drawing to a close, every point and every match counts, and both teams are feeling the pressure to perform.
Looking at the statistics, AC Milan has scored an average of 2.20 goals per match in their last five outings, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, they have also shown vulnerability at the back, which Bologna will aim to exploit in their upcoming rematch.
As for the betting odds, several bookmakers have highlighted the competitive nature of this matchup. Codere offers odds of 2.25 for an AC Milan win, while bet365 provides similar odds of 2.20. For a draw, both bookmakers set the odds at 3.40, while Bologna’s chances to win are slightly higher at 3.10 (Codere) and 3.20 (bet365).
In terms of player performance, Christian Pulisic stands out as AC Milan's top scorer with 10 goals this season, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts. Bologna, on the other hand, will rely on key players like Riccardo Orsolini and Thijs Dallinga to find the back of the net.
As the Serie A season nears its conclusion, the intensity of the matches increases. AC Milan is not only fighting for a higher league position but also for a chance to end their long wait for the Coppa Italia trophy. Meanwhile, Bologna must quickly adapt and recover from this setback to remain in contention for European football next season.
The upcoming matches for both teams will be pivotal. For Milan, the focus will shift to the Coppa Italia final, where they will look to capitalize on their momentum from this league victory. For Bologna, it will be about bouncing back and ensuring they remain competitive in the league as they fight for a Champions League spot.
With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the Serie A season. The battle for European qualification is heating up, and both AC Milan and Bologna will be looking to secure their places at the top of Italian football.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Napoli, who lead the league, and Inter Milan, who are hot on their heels. Napoli will face Genoa, while Inter will visit Torino, making for an intriguing weekend of Serie A action.
