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Serie A | Bologna 0-3 Milan: Who needs Mateta?

AC Milan beat Bologna 3-0 as Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku (penalty) and Rabiot struck, extending a 22-match unbeaten run. Betting angle: Milan look dependable for away wins and goals — punters might favour Milan moneyline or Milan + over 1.5 goals versus midtable opposition.

Milan Cruise to 3-0 Victory at Bologna to Maintain Title Pressure

AC Milan moved five points behind Serie A leaders after a convincing 3-0 win at the Renato Dall’Ara, despite missing Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic through injury. Ruben Loftus-Cheek opened the scoring, Christopher Nkunku converted a late first-half penalty and Adrien Rabiot finished a swift counter after the interval to seal the victory.

Match Report: Goals and Key Moments

Milan grew into the game after an early period of Bologna pressure and took the lead on 20 minutes. Nkunku’s header was parried by the goalkeeper; Rabiot fed the rebound to Loftus-Cheek, who tucked home from close range.

Ten minutes before half-time Nkunku was brought down in the box and converted the spot kick after VAR upheld the decision.

Early in the second half, a long throw was seized upon by Rabiot, who raced clear to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest.

Tactical Shape and Substitutions

With Leao restricted to the bench and several attackers absent through injury, Milan started with a new strike partnership pairing Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek.

The Rossoneri defended compactly after taking control, allowing Bologna possession but few clear chances.

Niclas Füllkrug was introduced later and offered a different dimension, but could not change the outcome.

Team News: Injuries and Suspensions

Milan were missing key attackers through injury, which forced rotation up front and reinforced midfield responsibility for goals. Bologna were without their first-choice goalkeeper through suspension and a centre-back due to injury, factors that weakened their resistance on the night.

Lineups and Substitutes

Bologna starting XI: Federico Ravaglia; Juan Miranda, Nadir Zortea, Nicolò Casale, Torbjørn Heggem; Jonathan Rowe, Lewis Ferguson, Remo Freuler; Jens Odgaard, Riccardo Orsolini, Santiago Castro.

Milan starting XI: Mike Maignan; Davide Bartesaghi, Koni De Winter, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic; Zachary Athekame, Youssouf Fofana, Adrien Rabiot, Luka Modric; Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku.

Key subs included Niclas Füllkrug for Milan as a second-half option.

Table Implications

The win extends Milan’s unbeaten Serie A run to 22 matches and keeps sustained pressure on the leaders, while Bologna remain mid-table and face the risk of slipping further if results do not improve next weekend.

Betting Angle

Milan’s composed away performance and goal-scoring from midfield suggest reliability for both match-winner and goals markets. Punters may consider backing Milan on the moneyline in similar fixtures and look at markets such as Milan + over 1.5 goals or both teams/no combined with confidence when favourites play midtable opponents.