Bologna and Milan face off this Thursday evening as they finally get their long-awaited Serie A match underway, originally postponed due to inclement weather last October. The match, slated for February 27, 2025, at 20:45, will be held at Bologna's Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, and both teams approach the game with the desire to recover from recent disappointments.
The stakes are high for both squads, as they currently sit at 41 points apiece following difficult losses: Bologna was defeated by Parma, and Milan faltered against Torino. With European qualification nearing on the horizon, both teams need to capitalize on this opportunity to reclaim their positions and forget their previous setbacks.
According to reports from Sky Sports, coach Vincenzo Italiano’s probable starting lineup for Bologna will feature a 4-2-3-1 formation: Skorupski will guard the goal; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumí, and Lykogiannis fill the defensive slots; Freuler and Ferguson are set to hold the midfield; with Orsolini, Pobega, and Ndoye supporting Castro up front. Ferguson is favored over Fabbian for his return, with Orsolini taking the edge over Dominguez for the right-hand side of attack.
On the other hand, Milan's manager Sergio Conceição appears to be banking on his 4-2-3-1 system as well. Star goalkeeper Maignan is expected to start, joined by Jimenez, Thiaw, Pavlovic, and Theo Hernandez on the backline. Musah and Reijnders will compose the midfield, with Pulisic, Joao Felix, and Leao providing support to Gimenez as the focal point of attack. Joao Felix is still uncertain and may begin the match on the bench if Musah is selected to play instead.
Historically, the rivalry between Bologna and Milan dates back many years, with 186 encounters recorded. Milan holds the upper hand with 87 victories against Bologna's 52, alongside 47 matches ending in draws. The draw outcomes may indicate the competitiveness of both teams, with Bologna often performing commendably against higher-ranked opponents. Recently, they eliminated Atalanta from the Coppa Italia and secured draws against Juventus, Inter, and Roma—all positive signs heading toward this pivotal match.
This game could be seen as pivotal not just for league standings but also for the psychological edge it provides to the victor. With European slots up for grabs, both teams share the urgency to amass points, especially as they aim to overtook Fiorentina, who sits at 42 points.
Italiano's squad feels the need to bounce back after their disappointing showing against Parma. He stated, "We need to find our rhythm and fight back against Milan. The team is prepared and we aim to perform well at home again." This sentiment reflects the desire of the Bologna players to make their home turf count.
Conceição, under pressure due to recent results, recognizes the significance of this match for Milan’s aspirations. He remarked, "It’s time to respond to our fans and to demonstrate our quality. Every point is precious as we fight for our Champions League ambitions. There is no room for errors anymore."c/p>
Fans tuning in to watch the match can do so via DAZN, with additional broadcasting services available for international viewers, bringing the action to audiences beyond Italy. For viewers across Spain, the match will air on Movistar+, with DAZN covering Switzerland, and Paramount+ offering access to fans located within the United States. This expansive reach highlights the importance of the Serie A for global football followers.
So as the teams gear up for the big showdown, both the players and their supporters will look to use this match as the turning point they both desperately seek. With plenty at stake, it ought to be a thrilling contest—one way or another, the result will bring clarity to both clubs’ season goals.