AC Milan Cruise Past Bologna to Stay in Serie A Title Race
AC Milan closed the gap to Serie A leaders Inter with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, extending their impressive away form.
Goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot secured a comfortable win for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, who produced a clinical display despite Bologna enjoying long spells of possession.
Milan Punish Bologna After Early Pressure
Bologna controlled much of the early tempo and threatened Milan’s defence, but the visitors struck first through ruthless efficiency.
Christopher Nkunku came close twice with headers denied by goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia before Milan capitalised on sustained pressure in the 20th minute. Adrien Rabiot reacted quickly to keep the attack alive and squared the ball for Loftus-Cheek, who finished into an empty net.
Despite Bologna continuing to dominate possession, Milan doubled their lead 19 minutes later when Ravaglia fouled Nkunku inside the penalty area. The French forward calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Milan firmly in control before halftime.
Rabiot Seals Victory After Defensive Error
Milan effectively ended the contest shortly after the restart thanks to a defensive mistake from Bologna. Juan Miranda’s throw-in bypassed his teammates entirely, allowing Rabiot to race through, control the ball and fire past Ravaglia after the goalkeeper rushed off his line.
Bologna responded with increased attacking intent, but Mike Maignan remained largely untested, producing his only major save to deny Jens Odgaard as Milan comfortably managed the remainder of the match.
Substitute Niclas Fullkrug came close to adding a late fourth goal for Milan, though Ravaglia denied him from a tight angle.
Milan Extend Outstanding Away Record
The result maintained Milan’s unbeaten start to away matches in Serie A this season, marking 12 consecutive road games without defeat (W7, D5). It is the club’s best away start to a league campaign since the 2003/04 season.
Although Bologna recorded more shots and possession, Milan demonstrated superior efficiency, registering seven shots on target and producing an expected goals tally of 2.61.
Rabiot continues to play a crucial role in Milan’s attack, becoming one of only two midfielders in Serie A this season to record at least four goals and four assists, underlining the growing importance of midfield contributions following Milan’s failed attempt to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta earlier in the week.
