Prediction: Bologna vs Milan

Verdict: Milan

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: beet365

Milan travel to Bologna on Tuesday evening looking to recover from their shock Europa League elimination. Relegation-threatened hosts have yet to win a league game since October and will have little o hope for against the rejuvenating Rossoneri.

Bologna

Former Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi will have a huge point to prove against his former side and employers. The form will not meet ambitions, however, as Bologna sit among the bottom three with only 11 points after 15 Serie A games.

Without a win in his last eight games in charge, I Rossoblu head coach is living on borrowed time at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Having led Bologna to their worst start to a Serie A campaign since the 2008/09 season, Inzaghi is walking on thin ice. The forthcoming clash against his former side is a great opportunity to earn another shot at keeping Bologna in the Italian top-flight. It will be easier said than done given I Rossoblu’s dip in form and overall stats against Milan. Bologna have yet to avoid defeat against Rossoneri in last five matches, during which time they only managed to score twice.

Team News

Erick Pulgar is a selection doubt for the home side and is unlikely to be risked against Milan.

Bologna will have no other worries ahead of the clash against Milan.

Milan

Within a touching distance of Europa League’s Round of 32 for their trip to Olympiacos last Thursday, Milan succumbed to pressure and ended up crashing out of the competition on the back of a 3-1 defeat despite only needing a draw or a 2-1 loss to progress.

Disappointed to bow out of the international stage in such a frustrating manner, Rossoneri will now travel to Bologna determined to get back to winning ways and maintain their Serie A top-four challenge. Gennaro Gattuso’s men are sitting in fourth at the moment, one point ahead of Lazio and two in front of AS Roma. With rivals creeping up on them Milan will face a tough test to remain in European positions if they fail to regroup. Injury problems will not help the Diavolo’s cause, however, as Gattuso faces a huge headache ahead of the trip to Bologna. Alessio Romagnoli and Mateo Musacchio could give Milan a reprieve as they are both nearing full fitness but other problems remain.

Team News

Ivan Strinic remains a long-time absentee for the visitors while Lucas Biglia has yet to recover from his calf injury.

Mattia Caldara and Giacomo Bonaventura complete the injury list with their calf and knee injuries, respectively.

Key Factors to Consider

• Bologna lost their last 5 Serie A matches vs Milan
• I Rossoblu are enduring their worst start to A Serie A season since 2008/09
• Milan won only one of their last 5 away games in all competitions
• Rossoneri won their last three trips to Bologna
• Both clubs failed to score in 5 of last 7 meetings between these two sides

Conclusion

Both Bologna and Milan face great pressure ahead of their clash at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this week. The hosts are deep inside the relegation zone with a dreadful run behind them while Rossoneri are in a desperate need of an instant response following their disappointing Europa League exit. Head-to-head record and current strength of both sides are the reason we are going with Milan in this encounter.

Verdict: Milan

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: beet365