Bologna: Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a chance to score his 500th goal on Saturday (January 30) as AC Milan took a nervy 2-1 win over Bologna in Serie A at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Ante Rebic and Frenck Kessie scored one each of the visitors while Andrea Pioli netted one for the hosts.
Milan lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Alessio Romagnoli being paired with Fikayo Tomori at the heart of the defence. Franck Kessié along with Sandro Tonali formed a double pivot in the midfield. Zlatan Ibrahimovic led the forward line alongside Alexis Saelemaekers and Ante Rebić with Rafael Leão playing as a no.10 behind them.
Although both sides had their fair share of possession on the ball it was the league leaders who were creating chances for themselves. Ibrahimovic, early in the first half missed the chance to put the visitors ahead as his spot-kick was saved but Ante Rebic slotted it home on the rebound.
Bologna had three clear-cut chances to equalise towards the end of the first half but were denied by some brilliance of Milan goalkeeper Donnarumma. His saves proved to be quite decisive as the league leaders were awarded another penalty in the second half which Kessie converted to extend the lead.
Bologna didn’t back down as well and created problems for Milan whenever they got the chance against the run of play while their goalie Lukasz Skorupski was also outstanding between the posts to keep his side in the game.
Andrea Poli got one back for Bologna in the 81st minute setting up a thrilling last few minutes. However, the hosts were unable to level it at the end. Milan took full three points to retain their top spot with a five-point gap between them and 2nd placed Inter.
