AC MILAN v BOLOGNA: KEYS TO THE MATCH

Looking at the data from the start of the league season, without forgetting past references and giving weight to possible new figures, we try to anticipate the match between AC Milan and Bologna. Here are the all-important key points:

ESSENTIAL START
Scoring one more goal than the opponent is the condition for winning: obvious, but worth pointing out, because 0-0 is the most common scoreline (16 times) between AC Milan and Bologna in Serie A. This includes the most recent game, at San Siro last April. One of the most important aims in such a match is to score, especially at home. Hernández and Rebić can help with this: half the goals scored in the first 15 minutes (2 out of 4) have come from Rossoneri. To capitalise on that and take the lead early on would be ideal, but the Diavolo will have to be careful after conceding first in Bergamo, Vicenza and Zalaegerszeg. The Rossoblù have just one point so far, but have always taken the lead thanks to Arnautović (against Lazio and Hellas Verona).

FRONTLINES BENEATH THE SPOTLIGHT
Opposites don’t attract, but they do face each other. Milan have scored with four different players in the current Serie A, fewer only than Inter (five) and Napoli (six). Bologna, on the other hand, only have one scorer: Arnautović. Team play is the strength of Pioli's side, with principles and the collective ahead of individuals. The Rossoneri are more unpredictable, with the Felsinei almost forced to rely on the strength of the Austrian forward. A talisman to be closely man-marked, Marko has scored 53% of Bologna's goals in Serie A in 2022 (10 of 19 in total) and became the first Rossoblù to strike in both of the first two matches in a Serie A season since Roberto Baggio. In Milan's attack, Rebić returns to the San Siro after scoring twice against Udinese and has already hurt Bologna: in January 2021 (away) and July 2020 (home). Meanwhile Leão remains the player with the most dribbles in Serie A in 2022 (64, at least 21 more than anyone in the entire league). Giroud and Origi are also available, looking for their first official goals.

ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
The weekend just around the corner will open the first full immersion: from Bologna to the Derby, either side of the first midweek match at home to Sassuolo. This will provide the coaches with chances for some changes - however big or small - in formation. Barring changing circumstances, Pioli will have the De Ketelaere card to play. After a few matches, Charles could make his debut from the start and add a new dimension to the Rossoneri's line-up. Mihajlović won’t have Orsolini (disqualified) and could make room for Barrow again: a man he trusts but has so far been used sparingly. Attention to the variables, without forgetting the influence of Bennacer - decisive in the Bologna match almost a year ago, currently the Milan player with the most chances created for his teammates (9) and completed dribbles (4) - and Cambiaso.

The PUMA AC Milan Kits for the 2022/23 season are available: get yours now!