Bologna pulled off an impressive comeback against AC Milan on February 27, 2025, allowing them to secure three valuable points at the Stadio Dall'Ara.
Despite Milan's Rafael Leao giving the Rossoneri the lead right before halftime, Bologna struck back with two second-half goals, ending the match 2-1.
This Week 9 matchup, originally scheduled for October 2024 but postponed due to severe weather, saw both teams enter the game locked on 41 points and eager to climb the Serie A standings.
Both squads were missing key players, with Milan sidelined without Kyle Walker, Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alessandro Florenzi. Bologna also had to cope without Emil Holm and Estanis Pedrola after their recent 2-0 defeat to Parma, making this game even more significant for both teams.
Early on, Bologna looked dangerous, with Santiago Gimenez firing over from Yunus Musah's lay-off just seconds after kickoff. Meanwhile, Malick Thiaw nearly turned the ball awkwardly past his own keeper, before Musah tested Lukasz Skorupski and Dan Ndoye blasted wide on the break.
The referee allowed plenty of contact, leaving both teams frustrated by unawarded penalties, particularly Ndoye and Youssouf Fofana. On the attacking front, Bologna's Dominguez managed to force Mike Maignan to save impressively from close range.
Milan finally found the breakthrough just before the whistle for halftime. A long goal kick from Maignan was flicked on by Gimenez, allowing Leao to sprint through the center. He deftly dribbled around Skorupski, slotting the ball home for his team's opener.
After the break, disaster struck for Milan immediately. Bologna responded fiercely to going behind, as just three minutes later, Santiago Castro blasted the equalizer following what appeared to be a handball from Giovanni Fabbian on the free kick. VAR checked the play and deemed it legal, leaving Milan players and supporters furious.
Milan had their chances to regain the lead, with Musah making quick runs and firing again at Skorupski before Bologna turned the tables. The hosts had their own big double chance when Nicolò Casale's header thumped the near post before Cambiaghi sent the rebound over.
Then, disaster struck for Milan courtesy of Dan Ndoye. Caught napping on defense from a throw-in, Jimenez allowed Cambiaghi to cross from the by-line, tapping it in for the game-winner just eight minutes before full-time.
This result crystallizes the struggles AC Milan has faced this season as they try to stay relevant for the Champions League qualification. With the defeat, the pressure continues to mount on manager Sergio Conceicao to turn the team's fortunes around.
Bologna's victory is particularly sweet as it gives them hope of continuing their upward trend, having recently shown resilience after some key player injuries.
With this win, Bologna consolidates their standing, presenting both teams with differing trajectories as they head toward the latter part of the Serie A season
Recent struggles for Milan have included the disappointment of being eliminated from the Champions League and the feeling of uncertainty surrounding team selection as players have battled injuries and form lately. Fans are left to wonder when the club legend will find consistent form again.
Overall, this match showcased Bologna's tenacity and ability to capitalize on their opponent's weaknesses, potentially signaling they are ready to push for European competition next season.
After this performance, Milan will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the coming matches with hopes of bouncing back and securing their position within the top ranks of Serie A.