The 36th matchday of Serie A kicked off on May 9, 2025, with a thrilling encounter between AC Milan and Bologna at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. The match, which served as a precursor to the upcoming Coppa Italia final, saw Milan triumph 3-1 in a dramatic comeback.
The first half was rather uneventful, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Milan, currently in 8th place with 60 points, needed a win to stay in contention for European qualification. Bologna sat just above them in 7th place with 62 points, looking to solidify their position as they aimed for a European spot.
As the second half began, Bologna took an early lead when Riccardo Orsolini scored in the 49th minute. He received a pass from Dallinga on the right, cut inside, and unleashed a precise left-footed shot that found the bottom corner, leaving Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan with no chance.
Trailing 1-0, Milan responded with vigor. Coach Sérgio Conceição made several tactical changes that reinvigorated the team. In the 73rd minute, Santiago Giménez found the equalizer. A swift counterattack saw Christian Pulisic play a pivotal role, passing to Giménez, who slotted the ball between the legs of Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski to level the score at 1-1.
Just two minutes later, Giménez thought he had scored again, but his effort was ruled out for offside, keeping the tension palpable in the stadium. However, the momentum had shifted firmly in Milan's favor, and they capitalized on this newfound energy.
In the 79th minute, Pulisic made it 2-1 for Milan. Following a buildup that started with a run from Samuel Chukwueze, Joao Felix attempted a shot that was blocked, but Pulisic was on hand to react quickly, scoring from close range.
As the match approached its conclusion, Chukwueze was again involved in the action, assisting Giménez for his second goal of the night in the 92nd minute. Chukwueze burst down the right flank, delivering a precise pass to Giménez, who finished expertly to seal a 3-1 victory for Milan.
In the aftermath of the match, Milan's triumph not only boosted their points tally to 60, narrowing the gap to Bologna but also provided a significant morale boost ahead of their upcoming Coppa Italia final against the same opponents on May 14, 2025.
Throughout the match, both teams showcased their fighting spirit. Bologna, despite the loss, had moments of brilliance, particularly with Orsolini's opening goal. However, the inability to maintain their lead ultimately cost them dearly.
Post-match, Milan's Joao Felix expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the win as they look to secure a European spot. He stated, "I feel good at Milan, and regardless of whether I start or come on as a substitute, I will do what the coach asks of me. The focus is on finishing the season strong."
Bologna's coach, Vincenzo Italiano, acknowledged the significance of the match, saying, "These two games against Milan are crucial for our season. We wanted points and a performance to prepare for the final on Wednesday."
With this victory, Milan has not only avenged their earlier defeat to Bologna in February but has also reignited their hopes for a place in European competitions. The final score of 3-1 reflects a resilient Milan side that has gained 22 points from losing positions this season, further demonstrating their fighting spirit.
The match was officiated by referee Livio Marinelli, with four minutes of stoppage time added at the end of the game. The atmosphere at the Meazza was electric, with fans celebrating a much-needed victory.
As the Serie A season winds down, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. Milan will look to build on this success as they prepare for the Coppa Italia final, while Bologna will need to regroup quickly to ensure they remain competitive in the league.
In conclusion, the clash between Milan and Bologna served as a thrilling reminder of the excitement that Serie A brings, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. The upcoming final promises to be another captivating chapter in this storied rivalry.
