Bologna VS Milan

Two teams vying for a top-four finish in Serie A will go head-to-head on Thursday evening, as Bologna and AC Milan finally meet for a rescheduled clash that was originally postponed four months ago.

Both clubs are level on points and see this match as a crucial opportunity to regain lost ground after disappointing defeats last weekend. With their Champions League aspirations hanging in the balance, neither side can afford to drop points in this pivotal fixture.

AC Milan endured a torrid week, beginning with a catastrophic elimination from European competition. Their exit from the Champions League playoffs against a depleted Feyenoord side saw them squander a winning position, a result that has cast doubt on their continental credentials. The week went from bad to worse when they suffered an unexpected 2-1 loss to Torino in Serie A on Saturday, adding further frustration to their domestic campaign.

Malick Thiaw found himself at the center of Milan's misery, inadvertently etching his name into club history for the wrong reasons. The German defender became only the second Milan player ever to score two own goals against the same team in a single season. The only other player to have suffered a similar fate is none other than the legendary Franco Baresi, a comparison that, despite the unfortunate circumstances, places Thiaw in esteemed company. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic had an opportunity to salvage a point for the Rossoneri, but his penalty was expertly denied by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Milan's inefficiency in front of goal ultimately left them empty-handed in Turin.

Despite dominating possession and creating several promising chances, Milan struggled to break down Torino's resilient defense. Milinkovic-Savic made a series of impressive saves, frustrating Milan’s attackers and ensuring his side emerged victorious. This result continued Milan's inconsistent run of form, which has been evident since their triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana. While the team celebrated lifting that trophy under new manager Sergio Conceicao, their domestic and European campaigns have been marred by inconsistency. The Portuguese coach’s tenure started brightly, but the Rossoneri now find themselves trailing Juventus by eight points in the battle for a Champions League berth.

Milan’s recent away record paints a concerning picture. Ahead of their trip to Emilia-Romagna, they have suffered four defeats in their last five matches away from home across all competitions, with two of those losses coming in Serie A and the other two in Europe. Such a slump has cast doubt on their ability to sustain a challenge for a top-four finish, making Thursday's encounter all the more crucial.

However, there is a silver lining for the Rossoneri. Historically, Milan have thoroughly dominated this fixture, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak against Bologna. The second-city giants have not suffered a league defeat to Bologna in their last 17 meetings, securing 13 wins in that period. Their last loss to the Emilian side dates back to 2016, making this the club's longest active run without defeat against a single opponent.

Bologna, on the other hand, have struggled to make an impact in recent encounters with Milan, particularly at home. They have failed to secure a victory in their last 18 meetings with the Rossoneri at Stadio Dall'Ara, with their last triumph in front of their supporters coming all the way back in 2002. Given this daunting record, they will need to summon a spirited performance to reverse their fortunes on Thursday night.

Much like their visitors, Bologna find themselves embroiled in a fierce battle for European qualification. Originally set to host Milan in October before severe weather forced a postponement, they are eager to capitalize on this rearranged fixture to enhance their standing. Unfortunately, they lost valuable ground last weekend, suffering a 2-0 defeat to local rivals Parma, a side struggling to escape the lower reaches of the Serie A table. That result not only ended Bologna’s impressive unbeaten league run but also saw them slip behind in the race for European places.

Vincenzo Italiano's men had been one of only three teams yet to lose a Serie A match in 2025 before their setback against Parma. Despite that defeat, Bologna still occupy eighth place in the standings, trailing just behind the leading contenders for European competition qualification. Their resurgence in the league has been notable, and they remain determined to build on last season’s impressive top-five finish.

This season, securing fourth place could prove to be the key to Champions League football for Bologna, given the recent performances of Italian clubs in European tournaments. With Fiorentina also in the mix, Bologna must focus on closing the gap to Lazio and Juventus if they are to keep their hopes alive. A victory over Milan at the Dall'Ara would serve as a significant statement of intent and could reignite their push for a coveted top-four finish.

One factor that could work in Bologna’s favor is their formidable home form. They have lost just one league game on home turf this season, showcasing their ability to turn the Stadio Dall'Ara into a fortress. If they can harness that advantage and put their recent defeat behind them, they stand a strong chance of challenging Milan and securing a vital three points.

As the two sides prepare to face off, the stakes could not be higher. Milan are desperate to bounce back from a turbulent week and stabilize their pursuit of Champions League qualification, while Bologna see this as an opportunity to break their long-standing curse against the Rossoneri. With both teams level on points and in need of a morale-boosting victory, this rescheduled clash promises to be a thrilling contest with potentially significant ramifications for the Serie A standings.

Given the historical context and current form of both sides, Milan may enter the match as slight favorites, but Bologna will be highly motivated to finally end their 22-year wait for a home victory against the Rossoneri. Whether history repeats itself or Bologna manage to carve out a rare triumph, Thursday's encounter is set to be a decisive moment in the race for European qualification.