In a thrilling encounter at the iconic San Siro, AC Milan hosted Bologna in a pivotal Serie A clash on Friday night, May 9, 2025, at 19:45 UK time (18:45 GMT, 20:45 CET). This match not only served as a critical fixture in the league but also as a precursor to the upcoming Coppa Italia Final between the two teams, scheduled for May 14, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Both teams approached this match with contrasting objectives. AC Milan, languishing in ninth place in the Serie A standings with 57 points, aimed to salvage pride and build momentum after a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory against Genoa in their previous outing. Meanwhile, Bologna sat in seventh place with 62 points, firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish that would secure Champions League football for next season.
As part of a special Mother’s Day tribute, players from both teams donned jerseys featuring their mothers' maiden names on the back, adding a heartfelt touch to the competitive atmosphere on the pitch. Milan’s lineup featured Luka Jovic, Joao Felix, and Christian Pulisic leading the attack, while Bologna opted for a rotational strategy, starting Riccardo Orsolini and Benjamin Dominguez.
Despite their recent struggles, Milan had a historical advantage over Bologna, having won 87 of their 187 encounters across all competitions, with 47 draws and 53 defeats. However, the Rossoblu had proven to be a tough opponent, having handed Milan a disappointing 2-1 defeat in their last league meeting earlier this season, where Milan squandered a half-time lead.
In the lead-up to the match, Milan faced some challenges with player availability. Star forward Rafael Leao was suspended following his involvement in the previous week's victory. Tammy Abraham was back in training after a thigh injury and was competing for a starting spot alongside Jovic and Santiago Gimenez. However, Milan also faced injury concerns with Youssouf Fofana, Warren Bondo, and Riccardo Sottil ruled out.
Bologna, on the other hand, had their own set of injuries to contend with, with Dan Ndoye, Emil Holm, and Jens Odgaard sidelined. Former Milan captain Davide Calabria, who joined Bologna in January, started on the bench, while Tommaso Pobega, another ex-Rossoneri player, was included in the starting XI.
The tactical battle saw Milan's head coach Sergio Conceicao deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation, utilizing Theo Hernandez as a wing-back, while Bologna's Vincenzo Italiano aimed to exploit their attacking prowess through a more balanced setup.
As the match kicked off, both teams were eager to make an early impact. Milan, looking to capitalize on their home advantage, pushed forward with intensity, while Bologna, aware of the stakes, aimed to secure a crucial away victory.
Throughout the first half, Milan appeared to be in control, showcasing their attacking flair with Pulisic and Felix creating numerous chances. However, Bologna's defense held firm, with goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski making several key saves to deny the Rossoneri.
As the match progressed, Bologna began to find their rhythm, countering with swift attacks led by Orsolini and Dallinga. The visitors had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Dallinga found space in the box, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
With halftime approaching, Milan continued to apply pressure, but they struggled to convert their chances into goals. The first half ended in a stalemate, with both teams locked at 0-0, leaving fans eager for a thrilling second half.
After the break, Milan intensified their efforts, knowing the importance of securing all three points. The Rossoneri's midfield, led by Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders, began to dominate possession, creating more opportunities for their forwards.
However, Bologna remained resilient, absorbing the pressure and looking for opportunities to counterattack. Their strategy paid off when, in the 65th minute, they broke the deadlock with a stunning goal from Santiago Castro, who capitalized on a defensive error from Milan.
With the score now 1-0 in favor of Bologna, Milan found themselves in a challenging position. They needed to respond quickly to avoid further embarrassment against their rivals. The home side ramped up their attacking efforts, pushing more players forward in search of an equalizer.
As the match entered its final stages, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Milan continued to press, with Jovic and Pulisic coming close to leveling the score, but Bologna's defense remained resolute.
In the closing moments, Milan's desperation grew, leading to a frantic finish. They created several chances, but Bologna's Skorupski was in fine form, making crucial saves to keep his team ahead.
Ultimately, the match concluded with Bologna securing a vital 1-0 victory over AC Milan, further solidifying their position in the race for a top-four finish. The result also marked a significant psychological boost for Bologna ahead of their upcoming Coppa Italia Final clash.
This match served as a reminder of the competitiveness of Serie A, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. As Milan looks to regroup and focus on the Coppa Italia Final, Bologna will carry this momentum into the crucial days ahead, hoping to secure a place in the Champions League next season.
