Prediction: Bologna vs AC Milan

Verdict: AC Milan win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to make an early statement when they open up the 2023/24 campaign on Monday night, AC Milan will travel to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara when they meet Bologna.

Bologna

Starting with the hosts, shocking many across Serie A last season as they claimed an eye-catching top-half finish, Bologna will be desperate to match a similar level this time around. However, while some in Thiago Motta’s camp might be dreaming of the chance to mount a famous European charge, the Greyhounds will be more than aware that they face a stern opening test on Monday night. Although the former Spezia boss might have seen his squad sign off the 2022/23 campaign with an action-packed 3-2 victory against Leece on June 4th, they did largely struggle to find much stability. It should be noted, despite eventually clinging to that stellar top-half finish among Italy’s elite, Bologna did muster just a pair of wins from any of their final nine straight Serie A appearances. Gaining somewhat of a reputation for their struggles at the back, Motta’s men also had to settle for a single point in their final four showdowns at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Team News

Watching attacking talisman Marko Arnautovic make the move to Inter Milan this summer, Joshua Zirkzee should spearhead Bologna’s attack on Monday night. Making the move from AZ Alkmaar last month, Sam Beukema will make his full Serie A debut.

Suffering a long-term knee injury and not expected to feature until the New Year, Motta will be unable to call upon Adama Soumaoro here.

AC Milan

As for the visitors, while AC Milan might have gained a string of plaudits last season as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, the Italian icons struggled to find much domestic stability. Nevertheless, still punching another top-four finish in Serie A, Stefano Pioli’s men did sign off the 2022/23 campaign in the midst of a real flurry. Simply looking to carry on from where they left off back in May, it should be noted that the former Italian champions won each of their final three top-flight appearances by an aggregate score of 9-2. Showing what was a major clinical edge in the final third and still boosted by their iconic Champions League adventure, it is no secret that AC have their sights firmly set on mounting another genuine title charge this time around. Holding what is an eye-catching record against Monday’s opponents, Pioli’s side will be looking to make an early statement at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Team News

Making the move from Premier League giants Chelsea this summer, USA international Christian Pulisic will make a full Serie A debut on Monday night. However, AC have confirmed that long-term absentee Ismael Bennacer will miss out here.

Forming what was a stellar partnership last season, attacking talisman Rafael Leao will once again be partnered with Olivier Giroud in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• AC Milan are unbeaten in each of their last 15 straight meetings against Bologna – a run that stems back to January 2016.
• Likewise, the former Italian champions have not lost a showdown at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara since way back in March 2002.
• AC won each of their final three Serie A showdowns last season by an aggregate score of 9-2.
• Bologna could muster just a pair of wins from any of their final nine straight top-flight contests last season.
• Monday’s hosts also had to settle for a single point in each of their final four straight contests at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Conclusion

While Bologna might have shocked many as they claimed a top-half finish last season, Monday’s hosts certainly face a tough test here. Remarkably failing to claim a single victory against AC from their previous 15 straight meetings across all formats, last season’s Champions League semi-finalists also hold a rampant record at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Not suffering a single defeat away at Bologna since way back in March 2002, we are expecting the title contenders to open the 2023/24 campaign with an early statement.

Verdict: AC Milan win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet