News

MILAN SET FOR BOLOGNA TEST

12 Sep 2025 — 2 min read

AC Milan are booked in for the Sunday night slot this weekend, as the Rossoneri entertain Bologna in round 3 of the Serie A campaign.

Match Details

AC Milan

Milan got off to a rocky start this season. They lost their opener at home to Cremonese, but then recovered with a comfortable win against Lecce.
Defensively they have shown some vulnerabilities, especially evident in the match vs Cremonese. Their attack has been a mixed bag so far, with goals coming from various positions rather than a prolific forward.
New signings (or recent arrivals) like Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot could play a role, though their integration seems cautious.

Bologna

Bologna have, similarly, had a mixed opening to the season. They lost narrowly to Roma, then beat Como 1-0 with Riccardo Orsolini scoring.
Their defensive displays have been solid in parts, but their attack is still adapting, especially given injuries to some forwards. Orsolini is looking sharper though, and is a key figure for them.
Importantly, Bologna defeated Milan in the Coppa Italia final last season, which gives them belief coming into this match.

AC Milan

Rafael Leão is ruled out. He’s suffering persistent calf discomfort from an injury picked up in the Coppa Italia first-round vs Bari. Recovery has stalled and he will not feature against Bologna.
Christopher Nkunku is nearing fitness but not expected to start; he may be used off the bench.
Others such Christian Pulisic and Santiago Giménez have returned from international duty and are likely fit and available.
Estupiñán (left-back) had a “muscular overload” from international duty, but is expected to feature.

Bologna

Milan’s attack without Leão: They’ll need others to step up. Pulisic and Giménez will likely be more central to their offensive output. Nkunku off the bench could be a game-changer. Set pieces or midfield runs may become more important.
Bologna’s defensive discipline vs Milan’s pressure: Bologna tend to be organised, especially under Italiano. They will look to stay compact, possibly absorb Milan’s pressure in certain phases and exploit counterattacks or set-pieces.
Midfield control: Whoever dominates in midfield will likely influence the match. Milan need to ensure stability there; Bologna will try to disrupt rhythm, perhaps by congesting space or pressing high when possible.
Home advantage: Milan at San Siro historically do well against Bologna. The crowd pressure and familiarity could give them the edge. H2H data indicates Milan win a majority of their home fixtures.
Set-pieces / moments of quality: Given both sides are not yet prolific in open play, moments such as free kicks, corners, individual runs or mistakes could decide the result.

Likely outcome: Milan to edge it – perhaps a tight 2-1 win.
Likely pattern: Milan dominating possession, creating more chances, Bologna solid in defence, dangerous on the break.