Serie A preview: AC Milan vs. Bologna – Team news, opposition insight, stats and prediction

AC Milan returns to Serie A action this weekend, hosting Bologna at San Siro following the international break. After a disappointing season opener, Milan regained momentum with a 2-0 victory over Lecce before the pause. Manager Max Allegri emphasized Bologna's improved competitiveness and expressed satisfaction with the team's recent preparations, noting new signing Adrien Rabiot's potential impact.

Milan's injury situation appears manageable numerically with only two players sidelined, but the absence of key winger Rafael Leao due to a complex muscle issue is significant. Leao is expected to miss the Bologna match and the subsequent game against Udinese, targeting a return for the Napoli clash. Despite some players arriving late from international duty, Allegri has a strong squad available, with Rabiot likely to start immediately and new defender Koni De Winter potentially replacing Strahinja Pavlovic.

The predicted starting lineup features Mike Maignan in goal, a defensive trio of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and De Winter, with Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan on the wings. Luka Modric anchors midfield alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Youssouf Fofana, while Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez lead the attack.

Bologna, who defeated Milan in last season's Coppa Italia final, retained coach Vincenzo Italiano but saw key departures including Dan Ndoye and Sam Beukema. New signings Martin Vitik, Torbjørn Heggem, and Jonathan Rowe aim to maintain team quality. With one win and one loss mirroring Milan's record, Bologna's early season shows defensive solidity but limited goals. Winger Riccardo Orsolini's form remains crucial after scoring their lone goal this campaign.