The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna will host a tantalizing Serie A clash on Saturday evening, as the struggling hosts welcome the seven-time European champions AC Milan.
Both sides have endured a difficult start to their respective Champions League campaigns, and will be eager to put their continental concerns to one side and focus on domestic matters this weekend.
Match Preview
Bologna have drawn six of their opening eight Serie A fixtures this season, and sit 12th in the table - a far cry from their superb top-five finish last term.
The Rossoblu have persistently failed to turn one point into three, and will be desperate to end their winless run against Milan, who they have not defeated at home since 2002.
Key man Riccardo Orsolini has been a bright spark for the hosts, but young striker Santiago Castro and January signing Thijs Dallinga are vying to lead the line.
Milan, meanwhile, have received more red cards than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 18 months, and discipline remains a concern for head coach Paulo Fonseca.
However, the Rossoneri have won 13 of their last 17 league meetings with Bologna, and will be boosted by the return of Alvaro Morata and Christian Pulisic - both of whom have been in fine form.
Bologna’s inability to turn draws into wins has left them in mid-table, but they have lost just twice since the end of August - both against Premier League opposition. The Rossoblu will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run in domestic football to seven matches this weekend.
Milan, on the other hand, have won just one of their first four away games in Serie A, and sit five points adrift of the summit. However, they did secure a much-needed win in the Champions League in midweek, coming from behind to defeat 10-man Club Brugge.
Head to Head
Milan have had the upper hand in previous 5 meetings going unbeaten in all of them, that is two wins and three draws. Their last match ended in a 2-2 draw at San Siro.
Team News
Bologna will be without Oussama El Azzouzi, Nicolo Cambiaghi, Martin Erlic and Lewis Ferguson. Midfielder Michel Aebischer will face late fitness tests.
Milan, meanwhile, will be without the suspended duo of Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders, but Alvaro Morata and Christian Pulisic are both expected to feature.
Prediction
Despite Bologna’s impressive home record, Milan’s quality should shine through on Saturday.
The visitors have won 13 of the last 17 league meetings between the two sides, and with Morata and Pulisic in form, they should have enough to secure all three points.
- Score Prediction: Bologna 1-2 AC Milan
Betting Tips
Match Result: AC Milan to Win
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals - Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings, and with Milan’s attacking talent, this game should produce goals.
Anytime Goalscorer: Alvaro Morata - The Spanish striker has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven league games against Bologna.
Both Teams to Score: Yes - Bologna have found the net in each of their last five home games against Milan, and the visitors’ defensive issues could be exposed.