AC Milan will face off against a resurgent Bologna side at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this afternoon hoping to get a crucial win as the top four race intensifies.
The first Napoli game, the Bologna game today and the return leg in Naples means that the Rossoneri will play three matches in less than 150 hours, and that is why 10 changes are expected to the line-up for today.
The importance of winning battles across the field will be even greater, start with the one between Charles De Ketelaere and Jerdy Schouten. The Belgian’s only goal contribution of the season came in the reverse fixture at San Siro when he assisted Rafael Leao, and he will have the double task of trying to create for his compatriots while also pinning Schouten, given the Dutchman is pivotal to Bologna’s build-up.
Sticking in the central areas, Aster Vranckx will get his first league start since arriving from Wolfsburg last summer and he faces Lewis Ferguson. The on-loan Wolfsburg man can use the game as an audition to prove he is worthy of permanent purchase, while the same could be said of his Scottish opponent who has been linked with the Rossoneri having scored four goals this season.
On Milan’s right side there will be an interesting duel between Musa Barrow and Alessandro Florenzi. A first start beckons for the Italian after coming back from a long-term injury as Pioli gets a leader back, but he has a tricky opponent to face as Barrow will look to add to his 8 goal contributions (3 goals, 5 assists) this season.
One of the stories of the season for Bologna has been on-loan Hoffenheim right-back Stefan Posch. The Austria international has scored five goals in Serie A, and that is why Ante Rebic – in addition to trying to end his scoring doubt – will have to contribute in the non-possession phase to ensure coverage for overlapping runs.
Finally, we come to Divock Origi against Adama Soumaoro. Those with good memories will remember the latter gifting Milan a win with a penalty for handball back in January 2021, though that will be forgotten today when he aims to stop Origi. Chances are running out for the Belgian to prove he deserves more faith from the management.
