Prediction: AC Milan vs Bologna

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Serie A fallen giants AC Milan face another stern test in their bid to get back to winning ways as Gennaro Gattuso lock horns with revitalised Bologna.

AC Milan

Rino Gattuso must have envisaged a different start to his managerial spell at AC Milan.

Positive emotions over the appointment of former fan favourite quickly dried out following Gattuso’s humiliating draw against Serie A minnows Benevento whereas the underqualified coach suffered an even more disappointing blow in a 2-0 Europa League defeat at the hands of Croatian side NK Rijeka. For a club which spent over €100 on squad reinforcing last summer, AC Milan are producing devastating results and the club continues to operate under great pressure. Level on points with their Sunday’s rivals Bologna, AC Milan head into the weekend clash heavily burdened by high expectations. The club’s ambitions in ‘Year Zero’ were to at least grab a Champions League spot which is huge 13 points away. Another defeat could have devastating effects on Gattuso and his expensive side which risks being pushed further behind on the Serie A ladder.

Team News

Alessio Romagnoli is suspended whereas AC Milan will also be without Andrea Conti and Hakan Calhanoglu who miss out through respective injuries.

Suso, Nikola Kalinic and Giacomo Bonaventura are likely to be given another run out from the start.

Bologna

In a contrast to their Sunday rivals, Bologna make a trip to San Siro with considerably less pressure.

Ninth place and 21 points after 15 rounds and an inconsistent start to the season are respectable records for Rossoblu who have shown clear signs of improvement recently. Roberto Donadoni’s side are coming off from a three-match unbeaten run which includes a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Sampdoria and head coach Donadoni will be keen for his team to use the positive momentum to potentially cause an upset in Milan and add insult to Rossoneri’s injury. Led by the 25-year-old forward Simone Verdi, Bologna are playing with commendable flexibility and will have to be taken quite seriously. Talented former AC Milan winger has thus far impressed for Bologna with four goals and the same number of assists in 15 outings this term and will be particularly keen to show AC Milan what they’re missing.

Team News

Andrea Poli is serving a yellow-card ban, whereas Geancarlo Gonzales is out through a groin injury.

Federico Di Francesco and Cesar Falletti are also out of contention.

Key Factors to Consider

• AC Milan won 6 of last 8 meetings with Bologna
• Rossoneri are winless in last three matches
• Bologna have gone unbeaten in three Serie A games
• AC Milan did not concede a single goal in last three games vs Bologna
• Rossoneri lost only 2 of their last 10 home matches

Conclusion

AC Milan are under great pressure and are expected to go hard from the off which could open plenty of space for flexible Bologna to hit them on the counter. The hosts have been installed as firm favourites but Bologna are more than capable of hurting them. A draw is on the cards here.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport