Match Review: Bologna vs AC Milan

We are back to winning ways! It wasn't easy but the Rossoneri brought home three very important points from Dall'Ara Stadium. Despite not having the best start to the game, the Red and Blacks scored two goals after only two shots attempted in the first half (Calhanoglu in the 34' and Bonaventura in the 45'+1'). Regarding this stats, we had not seen such a clinical AC Milan in Serie A since May 2004. Hakan had just returned to the squad after having some minor physical problems and showed how important he is to coach Gattuso’s side. As per Jack, he scored his seventh goal this season and equalised his scoring record in a single Serie A campaign (2012/13 and 2014/15). The win was vital in the race to qualify for the next Europa League edition as Atalanta (6th) and Sampdoria (8th) both won on Matchday 35. We remain in 7th place, one point behind Pietro Gasperini’s side, three points ahead of La Samp and six points ahead of Fiorentina (9th), who are about to host Napoli. Now there is one more entire week to prepare for the next match as the Rossoneri face Hellas Verona next at San Siro on Saturday 5th at 6.00 PM.

THE MATCH REPORT
The match starts at a low tempo and the hosts threaten first through Orsolini, who hits the crossbar with a header in the 18’. The Rossoneri take their time to react but they do it seriously. In the 34’, Cutrone finds Calhanoglu and the No.10 unleashes a powerful shot to open the scoring: 0-1! Only four minutes later, Orsolini finds the back of the net but the goal is disallowed as Palaciohad touched the ball with his hand. In added time, Bonaventura beats Nagy with fine skill and fires to the far corner to double the lead: 0-2. The second half starts and in the 51’, Cutrone's shot smacks off the post! Only a few minutes later, Suso is on a one-on-one with Mirante and fires high over the bar, and in the 60’, again, Cutrone misses a clear opportunity from close range. Bologna respond in the 63', and Calabria has to clear the ball on the goal line! Bonaventura finds space in the 71’ and strikes but his effort hits the woodwork! In the 74’, Di Maio meets Verdi’s cross and pulls one back with a header: 1-2. Right away, Mbaye shoots from close range and Donnarumma saves with one hand. AC Milan manage to defend their lead until the end and bring the win home.

BOLOGNA 1-2 AC MILAN

BOLOGNA (4-3-3): Mirante; Mbaye, Gonzalez (58’ Romagnoli), De Maio, Masina (82’ Keita); Nagy (52’ Avenatti), Pulgar, Poli; Verdi, Palacio, Orsolini. Subs: Da Costa, Ravaglia; Keita, Krafth, S. Romagnoli, Torosidis; Crisetig, Dzemaili, Falletti, Krejci; Avenatti, Di Francesco. Coach: Roberto Donadoni.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Calabria, Bonucci, Zapata, Rodriguez; Kessie, Locatelli, Bonaventura (85’ Montolivo); Suso, Cutrone (80’ Kalinic), Calhanoglu (76’ Borini). Subs: A. Donnarumma, Storari; Abate, Antonelli, Gomez, Musacchio; Mauri, Montolivo, Torrasi; Borini, Kalinic, André Silva. Coach: Gennaro Gattuso.

REFEREE: Piero Giacomelli
GOALS: 34’ Calhanoglu (M), 45’ + 1’ Bonaventura (M), 74’ Di Maio (B)
BOOKED: 23’ Locatelli (M), 52’ Masina (B)