Milan host Bologna on Saturday night in what looks set to be an intriguing Serie A encounter.
Thiago Motta, reportedly a target for the Rossoneri to replace Stefano Pioli this summer, brings his Bologna team to the San Siro as they try to get back on track, following a run of poor results which has seen them lose two of their last three league games. The Rossoblu are yet to pick up any league points in January, a run which has seriously dented their hopes of playing European football next season.
The hosts are back in the groove after winning their last four Serie A games, including a controversial win at Udinese last weekend, which was marred by the racial abuse aimed towards Rossoneri goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Their only blip so far in January, came in a Coppa Italia defeat in Bergamo against Atalanta.
The corresponding fixture last season finishedin a 2-0 win for Milan, who also won by the same scoreline in the first meeting this season at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara back in August. But Bologna’s growth has made sure that things are far from certain in the game now.
Results from their last five matches across all competitions
Milan:
W W L W W
Bologna:
W L D L L
Team News
Milan are likely to start with the same XI that won at Udinese, with Simon Kjaer partnering Matteo Gabbia in the centre of the defence. England international midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has scored two in his last three outings and will be keen to continue his excellent form as he pushes for a place at Euro 2024.
Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer is out with an Adductor injury and Mattia Caldara is still recovering from ankle surgery. Winger Samuel Chukwueze is away on AFCON duty with Nigeria.
For the visitors, Lewis Ferguson and Joshua Zirkzee, both linked with potential moves to Milan, should make the starting line-up. Alexis Saelemaekers, currently on-loan to Bologna from Milan, is likely to have to make do with a seat on the bench.
Predicted XI’s
Milan (4-2-3-1) Maignan; T. Hernandez, Gabbia, Kjaer, Calabria; Reijjnders, Adli; Leao, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic; Giroud
Bologna (4-2-3-1) Skorupski; De Silvestri, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen; Aebischer, Freuler; Orsolini, Fabbian, Ferguson; Zirkzee
Â
Steve Mitchell | GIFN
Â
Â
Â
Â
