In a Serie A encounter that offered a full spectrum of footballing emotions, AC Milan emerged victorious over Bologna with a narrow 1-0 scoreline. The match at San Siro was less a tactical masterpiece and more a dramatic narrative woven with moments of individual brilliance, frustrating missed opportunities, and the ever-present specter of controversial officiating. For those who appreciate football`s unpredictable script, this one delivered in spades.
A Calculated Opening, Then Frustration Sets In
Under the renewed stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri, Milan approached the game with a 3-5-1-1 formation, a setup designed to leverage the seasoned brilliance of Luka Modric at the heart of the midfield, with Loftus-Cheek tasked to support striker Gimenez. From the very first whistle, Milan aimed to assert dominance, orchestrating a clean and, initially, effective passing game, particularly through the central channels. Modric, ever the architect of precision, frequently pushed high, expanding Milan`s offensive repertoire and baffling Bologna`s defensive schemes.
For the initial thirty minutes, the Rossoneri were a formidable puzzle for their Rossoblu opponents. Attacks flowed from various sources, preventing Bologna from establishing any clear defensive reference points. Rabiot, Modric himself, Gimenez (who forced a sharp save from Skorupski), Loftus-Cheek with a powerful individual run, and a surprisingly lucid Estupinan all contributed to a flurry of early chances. Indeed, Estupinan even rattled the post, a foreboding sign of Milan`s burgeoning frustration as the ball stubbornly refused to find the net. Bologna, meanwhile, largely struggled to escape Milan`s midfield press. Midfielder Fabbian, tasked with shadowing Modric, often found himself isolated, leaving Bologna`s attack toothless. An early offside goal for Cambiaghi, correctly disallowed, was as close as Bologna came to genuinely threatening Milan`s goal.
Modric Steps Up as Maignan Exits, Raising Concerns
As the first half drew to a close, Milan`s initial drive seemed to wane, much like a soufflé collapsing gracefully, or perhaps less so. The game descended into a rather uneventful period, a lull that Bologna regrettably failed to capitalize on. The second half brought a tactical shift for Bologna, with De Winter replacing Pavlovic, as they attempted to raise their attacking tempo – though one might argue it was more out of obligation than conviction.
Then came a moment that sent a ripple of genuine concern through the Milan camp: goalkeeper Mike Maignan, a pivotal figure for the Rossoneri, sat on the turf, signaling a right calf problem. He was swiftly replaced by Terracciano, leaving fans to ponder the potential ramifications of such a significant injury. However, the collective anxiety was dispelled just before the hour mark by none other than Luka Modric. Loftus-Cheek, with astute vision, transitioned a counter-attack, feeding Saelemaekers, who in turn found Modric making a perfectly timed run into the box. The Croatian maestro, with a precise right-footed finish, sent the ball past Skorupski and ignited an eruption of cheers at the Meazza. It was a goal born of experience and precision, a testament to Modric`s enduring class, proving that age, in his case, is merely a number.
A Whirlwind Finish: Missed Chances, VAR, and Allegri`s Fiery Exit
Modric`s goal effectively uncorked the match, transforming it into a wide-open affair. Bologna, now chasing the game, left vast spaces that Milan, surprisingly, failed to exploit fully. Ricci, adding to Milan`s growing tally of near-misses, struck the post in the 68th minute. Gimenez then spurned two golden opportunities, first in a one-on-one with Skorupski, and then hitting the post again after losing his composure. One might almost suspect the woodwork had a personal vendetta against Milan on this particular evening, or perhaps a secret pact with Bologna`s goalkeeper.
The final five minutes, however, were reserved for pure, unadulterated drama. Substitute Nkunku appeared to win a penalty after a challenge from Freuler. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but the omnipresent VAR official intervened, prompting Marcenaro to review the incident on the monitor. After what seemed an eternity – standard procedure for VAR controversies – the penalty was controversially overturned. Coach Allegri, a man whose passion often burns just beneath the surface, visibly erupted. In a moment that some Milan faithful might recall from his Juventus tenure – a “déjà vu juventino” if you will, complete with jacket removal – he launched into a furious tirade directed at the officials. The inevitable red card followed, adding a dramatic, if somewhat predictable, footnote to Milan`s hard-won victory. A small price to pay, perhaps, for three vital points.
Bologna`s Conundrum and Milan`s Forward Momentum
For Bologna, this match represents a rather bleak start to the season, with only three points from three games. Vincenzo Italiano`s side offered little in the way of attacking threat and appeared oddly submissive in their overall approach. Their inability to register a single shot on target speaks volumes, presenting a “disagreeable novelty” for their coach. One can only hope for more offensive spark in their upcoming fixtures.
Milan, despite the late-game theatricals and a seemingly cursed goal frame, secured a thoroughly deserved three points. Modric proved to be the pivotal figure, delivering when it mattered most and silencing any lingering doubts about his impact. While concerns linger over Maignan`s injury and Gimenez`s inconsistent finishing, the victory signals clear improvement and provides crucial momentum for Allegri`s evolving Rossoneri. Sometimes, even with chaos and controversy, three points are simply priceless, especially when acquired through a blend of veteran wisdom and sheer resilience.
