AC Milan vs Bologna — 28 October 2026

AC Milan host Bologna in the ninth round of Serie A with the two teams pursuing different objectives. Milan remain unbeaten in the league under Ruben Amorim and are competing for a Champions League place, while Bologna are still trying to establish consistency after a managerial change and a difficult summer transfer window. Recent meetings favor the hosts, who have won three of their last four matches against Bologna.

Milan's Strong Start Under Amorim

Milan extended their unbeaten Serie A run to eight matches with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Udinese in the previous round. Amorim's team have developed a clear playing identity built around structured possession, progression through the half-spaces, and quick transitions from positional attacks to vertical passing.

Against opponents who allow them to control possession, Milan have been particularly effective. Luka Modrić's ability to find teammates between defensive lines helps the team accelerate attacks, while movement from wide players creates additional passing options. This combination has allowed Milan to maintain control without relying exclusively on prolonged periods of possession.

Their home record has been equally encouraging. Milan have won all three Serie A matches at San Siro this season, scoring at least twice in each and recording victories by margins of two or more goals in two of those games.

Squad depth has also played an important role in maintaining results. Milan defeated Udinese despite missing four players who had regularly started under Amorim: Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira, Mario Gila, and Samuel Chukwueze.

With the Milan derby scheduled for the coming weekend, the coaching staff are unlikely to rush injured players back into action. Rabiot, Moreira, and Gila remain doubtful for the Bologna match, while Chukwueze is still sidelined.

Other members of the squad have responded well to increased playing time. Davide Bartesaghi was voted Milan's best player against Udinese by supporters, while Omari Hutchinson scored his first Serie A goal. Their contributions have given Amorim additional options during a period of significant squad absences.

Bologna's Improvement Under Palladino

Raffaele Palladino has brought greater stability to Bologna since replacing Domenico Tedesco, who was dismissed after the first four rounds of the season. The 42-year-old manager previously worked at Monza, Fiorentina, and Atalanta, but inherited a squad undergoing considerable changes.

Bologna lost three important players during the summer transfer window: Jhon Lucumí, Jonathan Rowe, and Santiago Castro. Their replacements, Arthur Theate, Artem Dovbyk, and Roberto Piccoli, arrived after periods of declining performances, leaving Palladino with the task of rebuilding the team's effectiveness.

The early results under the new manager have been encouraging. Bologna have suffered just one defeat in their last four matches, a 3-1 loss against defending Serie A champions Inter.

They have also won both away matches under Palladino, defeating Lecce and Cagliari. However, those opponents presented a less demanding challenge than Milan, particularly in terms of pressing resistance and quality in possession.

Palladino has introduced a man-oriented pressing approach, although the system is still developing. Maintaining coordinated pressure against Milan's passing combinations could prove difficult, especially when the hosts use Modrić to move the ball between the lines and find teammates in advanced positions.

Bologna's preparations have also been complicated by injuries to important attacking players. Roberto Piccoli and Riccardo Orsolini are both unavailable, reducing the team's options in the final third.

Orsolini's absence is particularly significant because of his contributions from the right flank. The experienced winger has regularly provided attacking opportunities for Bologna and scored in two of his last three away appearances against Milan.

Right back Emil Holm is also sidelined. His absence affects not only Bologna's defensive options but also their ability to provide attacking support from wide positions.

Despite these personnel problems, Bologna have scored in every match since Palladino took charge. Their improved results suggest the team is becoming more competitive, although the trip to San Siro presents a different test from their recent away fixtures.

Referee: Juan Luca Sacchi

Juan Luca Sacchi officiated 11 Serie A matches last season, averaging 3.45 yellow cards per game. His more recent disciplinary record has been stricter, with at least four yellow cards shown in six of his last eight league appearances.

Key Factors

An important tactical question is how effectively Bologna can execute their man-oriented press against Milan's organized buildup. If the visitors struggle to maintain their pressing structure, Milan's movement through the half-spaces could create opportunities to advance the ball into dangerous areas.

Bologna's attacking absences may also affect their ability to relieve pressure and maintain possession higher up the pitch. For Milan, the challenge is to preserve their established attacking patterns while managing squad injuries and the approaching derby. How both teams handle these demands could influence the rhythm and territorial balance of the match.