AC Milan vs Bologna Match preview

Italy - Serie A: AC Milan vs Bologna

Milan will open the season at San Siro on Sunday against the returnees, Bologna. After last years failures rossoneri were left out of the Champions League but that didn't stop them from making a lot of progress in the transfer window. Zambrotta, Ronaldinho, Senderos, Flamini, Shevchenko, Abbiati arrived… the team is reinforced in all of its parts. If we have in mind that Milan, unlike their rivals won’t have to waste their energy in the Champions league which is why they are No 1 candidates for lo scudetto. After three seasons Bologna are back in the elite; the powerful defence has helped them make it to Serie A. Now, in the nominal season among elite clubs, there is only one aim - a calm season in the midtable. There were certain controversies about the ownership of the club, president Cazzolla announced selling it but it didn’t happen. Coach Arrigoni can be satisfied with the work done in the transfer window, but this won’t be an easy season.

Milan lost many points at San Siro

Let us remind you that rossoneri have gone the first part of the championship without a home win. They have been giving out points at home during the autumn, until January when they managed to beat Napoli. Precisely the weak form at San Siro was the reason why fourth place has been out of their reach and why Milan had to settle with UEFA Cup. There were some tensions between the fans and the club on the start of the transfer window, after Galliani has said that Italian clubs don’t have the financial power to match English or Spanish clubs on the market, there were some petitions demanding from Berlusconi to sell the club, if he doesn’t want to invest. Still, the richest Italian and state’s prime minister opened up, rossoneri got some excellent signings and the last move, signing Senderos reinforced defence which seemed to be the weakest part of the team. Now there are no more excuses, not even for Ancelotti, the title is imperative. Judging by the roster Milan seem very powerful, let us remind you that one strong game a week is definitely an advantage over their rivals. Thanks to this kind of situation Juventus were dominant last year in the clashes with direct rivals.

Bologna changed the squad from last season

They didn’t waste any time, it was clear that the Serie B squad is not good enough for the higher rank. Arrigoni recognised the midfield as the biggest problem, the signing of former Sampdoria captain, Volpi as well as Belgian international Mudingaiy from Lazio are certainly good moves. The weak part of Bologna is the attack. It is hard to put all responsibility on experienced Massimo Marazzina. Bernacci came from Ascoli during the summer, he is a very talented player but still without any experienced that he will adapt to the team and the higher rank. Anyway, Bologna seem able to take a midtable place, though the draw wasn't favourable. it is hard to open the season against the main title contenders. They will rely on the wall in front of experienced Antonioli, they have their weapons but if they concede early, Bologna will face many problems.

Betting Verdict

Kaka's injury will deprive Milan of the best player but Ronaldinho, Pato and the returnee Shevchenko as well as the indestructible Pippo Inzaghi are enough of a guarantee that the attack will rise to the occasion. In the preparation matches we saw two faces of Milan; without a real striker they ended up demolished by Chelsea, also lost in Gijon but the triumph over Juventus indicated the possibilities of this team. Clearly, failing at home is forbidden. Bologna are in for a hard time, we don't see how the visitors will handle the rivals wingers or the pressure of the rivals. These are the aspects where Milan are most powerful. We expect an easy home win.

More news about AC Milan

Our tip: Bet 9 on Home win
Odds 1.35 at
Bookmaker: Expekt