Match Preview: Bologna v AC Milan H2H, Form, Players To Watch and Prediction

AC Milan start their 2023/24 season against Bologna on the road. Stefani Pioli is testing out a new formation and a number of new players so it will be an interesting game for the Rossoneri. Milan need a win to get started on the right track as the competition will be tight for the top four this year.

H2H

Bologna 1 - 2 Milan

Bologna 2 - 4 Milan

Milan 0 - 0 Bologna

Milan 2-0 Bologna

Bologna 1-1 Milan

Form Guide (all competitions)

Bologna: W

Milan: n/a

Players to Watch

Rade Krunic

The midfielder has a brand new role and will move from the periphery of the squad to arguably being the most important player as he occupies the defensive midfield role in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation. Krunic needs to step up in a big way this season and drive the pressing game, he needs to provide cover while Thiaw and Tomori build some chemistry to keep the defence insulated. Krunic was error prone last season and this cannot happen again given the importance of his role. Can he step up?

Lewis Ferguson

The Scottish attacking midfielder scored 7 goals in the previous campaign and is a key player in Thiago Motta’s system. Ferguson gets a crack at Milan’s new midfield and looks likely to find some space between the lines and run right at the defenders. This is a good test for the defenders as he will take them on and play vertical balls into the box for Zirkzee.

Rafael Leao

Leao needs to hit the ground running, he had a rough pre-season but now needs to be a leader for this side as one of the best players in the team. Milan lost Ibrahimovic, Maldini and Tonali this past summer hence are missing their symbols and this is an opportunity for Leao to take on the leadership of the side. Furthermore, he will want to fight with some of the leagues top performers and we already have Victor Osimhen and Lautaro Martinez scoring braces in the opening weekend. Leao is no longer the lone focal point of the attack so hopefully he has more space to operate.

Prediction: Bologna 1-3 Milan