AC Milan vs. Bologna Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 9 May 2025

The 36th round of Serie A sees AC Milan host Bologna at the iconic San Siro. This match is crucial for both sides as they aim to secure a spot in European competitions. AC Milan sits in 9th place with 57 points, four points behind their visitors. Coming off impressive back-to-back wins, Milan are favorites to win, particularly given their strong home form.

Bologna, currently 7th with 62 points, have also shown resilience but could miss key players due to injuries. Given Milan’s recent performances, including a noteworthy 3-0 victory over Inter, a home win is recommended. Remember, Milan tend to score most in the final 15 minutes, so hold on to your seats! The predicted line-ups feature stalwarts like Maignan for Milan and Orsolini for Bologna, ensuring a competitive clash.

AC Milan vs Bologna Prediction & Betting Tip

• AC Milan have a strong home form, winning 3 out of their last 5 games, including a 3-0 victory over Inter in the Coppa Italia.
• Bologna have only managed 1 win in their last 5 matches, facing challenges due to key player injuries.
• Milan tend to score most of their goals late in the game (76-90 minutes), which could give them the edge in securing a home win.

AC Milan vs Bologna Odds

The bookmakers slightly favor AC Milan for this clash. Milan’s recent home form and impressive attack, averaging 2.20 goals in the last five games, boost their odds. Despite being without Rafael Leão, their strong performances, including a thrilling 3-0 win against Inter, make them a competitive side.

Bologna, although higher in the standings, have struggled recently with just one win in their last five matches, impacting their odds here. The teams’ standings dictate a tight matchup, but Milan’s home advantage gives them an edge.

AC Milan Team Analysis

AC Milan Recent Performance

Recent Form: WWWLW
AC Milan’s form has been quite impressive as they head into this fixture. Sérgio Conceição’s squad has pocketed four wins out of their last five games, showcasing a strong offensive line with an average of 2.20 goals per match.
Their solid defense, with three clean sheets in the last five games, further strengthens their position. A recent highlight was the comprehensive 3-0 victory over Inter in the Coppa Italia, indicating their prowess in high-stakes matches.
Despite being without Rafael Leão due to suspension, Milan’s recent victories against teams like Venezia and Genoa put them in good stead leading up to this crucial match.

AC Milan Key Players

Key players for AC Milan include their top scorer Christian Pulisic and pivotal midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Pulisic has netted 10 goals this season, while Loftus-Cheek’s creativity in the attacking midfield role has been crucial.
Expect a key battle between Pulisic and Bologna’s defenders, particularly Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumi, which might determine the outcome.
With Rafael Leão suspended, the onus falls on Luka Jovic to lead the attack effectively.

Expected lineup for AC Milan:

• Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
• Defenders: Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic
• Midfielders: Alex Jimenez, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, Theo Hernandez, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic
• Forward: Luka Jovic

AC Milan Suspensions & Injuries

AC Milan will be without several key players due to both injuries and suspensions. Rafael Leão, a significant attacking threat, is serving a one-match ban due to yellow card accumulation. His absence could hamper Milan’s forward creativity and goal-scoring potential.

Additionally, Milan has a few injury concerns that could impact their lineup and tactics:

These absences may force coach Sérgio Conceição to adjust his strategy and rely on depth players to step up, particularly in midfield and attack. The return of Abraham later this month will be eagerly awaited.

AC Milan Tactics and Formation

AC Milan Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Luka Jovic
• Midfield Quartet:
  • Right midfielder: Alex Jimenez
  • Right central midfielder: Youssouf Fofana
  • Left central midfielder: Tijjani Reijnders
  • Left midfielder: Theo Hernandez
• Defensive Trio:
  • Right center back: Fikayo Tomori
  • Central back: Matteo Gabbia
  • Left center back: Strahinja Pavlovic
• Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
• Strategic Approach:
  • Defensive Solidity: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
  • Attacking Flair: Average 2.20 goals scored in the last five games.
  • Notable Strategy: Strong attacking play during the 76-90 minute interval.

Coach Sérgio Conceição will likely stick with a back three, leveraging wing-backs to support both defense and attack. Youssouf Fofana’s doubtful status might lead to a tactical tweak in midfield. AC Milan’s recent results show resilience, and they’ll aim to leverage home advantage at San Siro.

Bologna Team Analysis

Bologna Recent Performance

Bologna’s recent form has been a mix of results, showcasing some resilience and defensive solidity. In their last five matches, they’ve secured two wins, two draws, and suffered one loss. Their average goals scored in the last five games is 0.80, and they’ve kept two clean sheets, demonstrating a balanced but slightly goal-shy approach.

Here’s a closer look at their recent matches:

Bologna’s defence has been relatively solid, but their scoring has been modest, with most goals coming in the 46-60 minute window. They will need to be at their best to break down AC Milan’s sturdy backline in this encounter.

Bologna Key Players

Bologna boasts key players who have shown their capability to influence games. Top scorer Riccardo Orsolini, with 12 goals this season, is crucial with his knack for finding the back of the net. He will be a significant threat against AC Milan’s defense.

Expected lineup for Bologna:

• Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski
• Defenders: Lorenzo De Silvestri, Sam Beukema, Jhon Lucumi, Juan Miranda
• Midfielders: Lewis Ferguson, Remo Freuler, Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Nicolo Cambiaghi
• Attackers: Thijs Dallinga

Individual battles to watch include Orsolini versus Tomori, and Thijs Dallinga challenging Matteo Gabbia, which will be key in determining the outcome of the match.

Bologna Suspensions & Injuries

Bologna will be without several key players due to injuries. Emil Holm, Estanis Pedrola, and Dan Ndoye are all set to miss the match, which could affect their squad depth and options on the field. Coach Vincenzo Italiano will need to juggle his lineup to cover these key absences, possibly putting additional pressure on the remaining players to step up against a formidable AC Milan side.

Bologna Tactics and Formation

Bologna’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Thijs Dallinga
  Bologna will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Italiano, demonstrating a balanced approach between defense and attack.
• Defensive Setup: Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumi will be crucial in central defense, complemented by Juan Miranda and Lorenzo De Silvestri on the flanks. Their recent record of two clean sheets in the last five matches underscores their defensive stability.
• Midfield Dynamics: Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler will operate as the defensive midfield pair, providing protection to the back line and ball progression. Jens Odgaard functions as the attacking lynchpin in midfield.
• Notable Strategy: Bologna has a trend of scoring most goals between the 46th and 60th minutes, indicating a strong start to the second half.
• Attacking Strength: Riccardo Orsolini and Nicolo Cambiaghi will add width and pace on the wings, supporting Thijs Dallinga, who leads the line as the primary striker.

In summary, Bologna’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions and dangerous counter-attacks, particularly at the start of the second half.

AC Milan vs Bologna Head-to-Head Statistics

AC Milan and Bologna have had a competitive recent history, with both teams securing wins and draws.

• AC Milan’s last home fixture against Bologna ended in a draw.
• Bologna managed a victory in their most recent encounter in February 2025.
• In their last five meetings, AC Milan has slightly edged with two wins.

Odds accurate as of 05.07.2025 19:50, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.