Bologna v AC Milan – Preview: Rossoneri look to reclaim Europa League spot against Rossoblu

Date: 5th May 2016 at 9:30pm
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MontolivoAC Milan will look to right recent wrongs when they visit Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Saturday evening.

As the Serie A season winds down, the hosts will hope to improve on their recent performances, having taken only five points from their last five matches. The Rossoblu currently sit in 13th place, with just 41 points. While Bologna are mathematically safe from the regulation zone, Roberto Donadoni’s side have little else to celebrate, having won just two matches since January. After being pummeled 6-0 by Napoli, I Veltri have managed two consecutive clean sheets, including a goalless draw away at Empoli last weekend.

AC Milan are also in the midst of a disappointing season. With just one victory since taking over for former coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, Cristian Brocchi has done little to improve the fortunes of the Rossoneri, and has seen his side drop to seventh place, temporarily out of a Europa League spot after a disappointing 3-3 draw against Frosinone.

These two sides last met in the first fixture of 2016, with Bologna upsetting their hosts in a surprising 1-0 victory, courtesy of a late goal from Emanuele Giaccherini.

Historically, Milan have been the stronger of the two, winning 18 times and drawing an additional seven, while only dropping points to the Rossoblu in six clashes.

Sporticos

Roberto Donadoni will be forced to make do without several players, including top scorer Mattia Destro, who is still out with an injury. Bologna will also be without Archimede Morleo, Franco Zuculini, and Luca Rizzo.

Striker Mario Balotelli is expected to be given another chance to prove his worth to the team. The on-loan Liverpool striker has announced his desire to stay with the Italian club, but with only one league goal to his name, his future remains uncertain at best.

The Diavolo will be without Luca Antonelli, Andrea Bertolacci and Giacomo Bonaventura, as well as long-term absentees M’Baye Niang and Rodrigo Ely.

Form Guide: Bologna (D-W-L-L-D) AC Milan (D-L-D-W-L)

Expected Starting XIs:

Bologna: Mirante; MBaye, Maietta, Gastaldello, Masina; Brighi, Diawara, Mounier, Brienza, Giaccherini; Floccari

AC Milan: Donnarumma; Abate, Alex, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Kucka, Montolivo, Mauri, Honda; Bacca, Balotelli

Infographic source: www.sporticos.com

 

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