AC Milan is set to face Bologna in a crucial Serie A clash on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the iconic San Siro stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 20:45 BST. This match is pivotal for both teams as they vie for their respective goals in the league, with Milan looking to solidify their position in the top half of the table while Bologna aims to break into the Champions League spots.
The Rossoneri are coming off a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Genoa on May 2, where Rafael Leao scored a crucial goal, alongside an own goal from Morten Frendrup. However, Leao will not feature in this match as he received his fifth yellow card of the season, resulting in a one-match suspension. This absence opens the door for Joao Felix, who is expected to take Leao's place on the left flank of Milan's attack.
Joining Felix in the forward line will be Christian Pulisic and Luka Jovic, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is anticipated to start in central midfield, stepping in for the injured Youssouf Fofana. The probable lineup for AC Milan is as follows: Mike Maignan in goal; a back three of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic; wing-backs Theo Hernandez and Jimenez; with Reijnders and Loftus-Cheek in midfield; and the attacking trio of Pulisic, Felix, and Jovic.
Bologna, on the other hand, comes into this encounter with a solid record against top-tier teams. They managed to draw 1-1 with Juventus in their last outing and secured a 1-0 victory over Champions League finalists Inter just two weeks prior. This recent form has put Bologna in a strong position, currently sitting seventh in the standings with 62 points, just one point adrift of the Champions League qualification spots.
Under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation. Their lineup is likely to include goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, with a defense comprising De Silvestri, Beukema, Lucumi, and Miranda. In midfield, they will have Freuler and Ferguson, while the attacking quartet will feature Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Nicolo Cambiaghi, and Thijs Dallinga leading the line.
As the match approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. AC Milan, currently sitting ninth with 57 points, needs a win to keep their hopes of European competition alive for next season. On the other hand, Bologna is keen to capitalize on any slip-ups from teams above them to secure a coveted top-four finish.
In the broader context of Serie A, Matchday 36 is shaping up to be a thrilling one. Inter Milan will be playing away to Torino, while Napoli hosts Genoa at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, is in a tight race for the Scudetto, and their performance against Genoa will be crucial. Conte's future remains uncertain, as he hinted at a possible exit from the club at the end of the season, regardless of the outcome.
Conte expressed his frustrations in a recent press conference, stating, "I cannot live on miracles rather than planning. I don’t want to be massacred. I saw looting of our projects." His comments reflect the pressure he faces as he aims to deliver another title to Napoli.
Meanwhile, Inter's manager, Simone Inzaghi, is focused on maintaining their momentum in the title race. He remarked, "We have to be stronger than our fatigue," as his side continues to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Another exciting fixture to watch this weekend will be Atalanta against Roma at the Gewiss Stadium. Atalanta is pushing for a Champions League spot, while Roma, under Claudio Ranieri, is striving for European qualification. Ranieri commented on his team's determination, saying, "We’re in it, we want to do well and we want our fans to be proud of how we finish the season."
The weekend's action also includes Lazio hosting Juventus, a match that will significantly impact the European qualification race. Fans are eagerly anticipating these matches, as the drama of Serie A continues to unfold.
As for the match between AC Milan and Bologna, it promises to be an electrifying encounter. Fans can catch the action live on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360, ensuring they don't miss a moment of this crucial clash.
With both teams eager to secure vital points, the stage is set for a thrilling match at the San Siro. Will AC Milan capitalize on their home advantage, or can Bologna pull off an upset and move closer to the Champions League? Only time will tell as the Serie A title race heats up.
