BOLOGNA v AC MILAN: DUELS

Bologna v AC Milan is a fixture with a long history, but it’s also very much part of the present. With the Rossoneri currently second and the Rossoblù occupying eighth place in the league, two sides who have enjoyed excellent starts to the season are about to face off. As we take a look at the individual battles coming up, it’s no surprise, then, that various players in really good form and who have been protagonists during the first eight matchdays feature. Here are four of the most interesting duels to watch out for during tomorrow’s game, which will kick off at 20:45 CEST:

MUSA BARROW V RAFAEL LEÃO
Two very talented young strikers who are both used to operating on the left wing and have begun the season in excellent fashion. The Gambian has three goals and three assists to his name, while he’s also the Bologna player who has had the most shots on target (eight). The Portuguese man, meanwhile, has scored three times and set up a teammate to net on one occasion. He’s the Rossonero who’s leading the way when it comes to shots taken (both on and off target) and the number of attempted dribbles (30).

LORENZO DE SILVESTRI V DAVIDE CALABRIA
From the left wing to the right flank, from attack to defence (in the main). Calabria and De Silvestri are two valuable, experienced and reliable players who are important to their respective teams. The Bologna man has scored two headed goals so far this game – both of which game in the Rossoblù’s league opener against Salernitana – and has made the most interceptions (13) out of all his teammates. Furthermore, he’s made the most passes, both in general and in the opposition half of the pitch. Calabria has also enjoyed a very solid season, with his contribution to the Rossoneri’s game going beyond the statistics.

NICOLÁS DOMÍNGUEZ V ISMÄEL BENNACER
This duel pits together two talented midfielders who have enjoyed continental success with their respective national teams. In his second season in Rossoblù colours, Domínguez has become a mainstay in Mihajlović’s line-up: the Argentine, who has played in every Serie A game this season and is one booking away from suspension, is the Bologna player who has made the most tackles (32) and been on the end of most fouls (15). AC Milan’s Algerian, meanwhile, has, on average, had 103 touches every 90 minutes – the highest figure in the league. He’s also been involved in all of the Rossoneri’s eight league games so far, coming on as a substitute on six occasions.

MARKO ARNAUTOVIĆ V ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ
The last duel is between two players who, should they play, will lead the respective lines. Due to his physical and technical qualities, the Austrian has often been compared to the Swede. Arnautović has found the net three times in eight games and taken 26 shots – the third highest number in the whole of Serie A. As for Ibra, he’s aiming to make his first league start this campaign. He’s enjoyed great goalscoring success against Bologna in the Italian top flight, and a goal would make him the fourth player in Serie A history to score aged 40+.

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