Bologna FC vs AC Milan – 15/04/2023
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AC Milan took one step closer to the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win over Napoli in their quarterfinal first leg.
Now, Stefano Pioli’s Rossoneri will visit Bologna in Serie A, as they aim to continue winning. Milan are fourth in Serie A ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Rossoblu. AC Milan are clinging to fourth place currently, as Inter Milan and Atalanta attempt to catch them.
Bologna are eighth in the Serie A standings and having a strong season under coach Thiago Motta.
Motta was laughed at early on during his time with Bologna for having silly tactics. However, Motta is the one laughing now. The Rossoblu are five points off the final European qualification place.
Milan dominated Bologna in the teams’ last six head-to-head encounters. The Rossoneri won five matches and drew one against Bologna in those six fixtures.
Milan outscored Bologna 15-4 in the six matches. Bologna received three red cards.
Bologna are in slightly better league form ahead of the match compared to Milan. The Rossoblu picked up 11 points from the last six games.
They are unbeaten in four straight Serie A matches and each of their last two fixtures ended as wins.
Motta’s men are strong at home, with a record of 7W-5D-3L. Bologna are +10 in home goals with 20 goals for and only 10 against.
AC Milan took nine points from the last 18 points available. They are also unbeaten in the last four Serie A games. However, Milan drew each of their last two league matches.
Pioli may rest key players after Wednesday’s intense Champions League quarterfinal first leg with Napoli. The Rossoneri will play the quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday in Naples.
Motta has several players on the injured and suspended list. Forward Riccardo Orsolini is suspended and will play no part on Saturday. Midfielders Roberto Soriano and Andrea Cambiaso are both doubts to make the squad.
Forward Marko Arnautovic is ruled out of the match. He has a muscle injury and won’t be available until the end of the month. He has eight goals in 16 Serie A games. Midfielder Nicola Bagnolini is a doubt following a shoulder injury.
Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to miss the match through injury for Milan. The Swede has a thigh muscle injury. Pioli may rotate the side with the Champions League quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday.
AC Milan should post a 2-1 win at full-time over Bologna. The Rossoneri are unbeaten in six straight games versus the Rossoblu. Milan’s win would be their sixth in seven attempts against Bologna.
