In a clinical display of tactical superiority and ruthless efficiency, AC Milan dismantled Bologna with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. The Round 23 encounter served as a stern reminder of Milan's championship credentials, as Max Allegri’s men navigated a potentially tricky away fixture with the poise of seasoned title contenders. By securing all three points, the Rossoneri have successfully narrowed the gap at the summit of Serie A, keeping the pressure firmly on their city rivals, Inter, in what is becoming a captivating race for the Scudetto.
Clinical Precision Breaks The Deadlock
The match began with Bologna attempting to impose themselves on the contest. Under the lights of their home stadium, Vincenzo Italiano’s side controlled much of the early possession, moving the ball with intent. However, the difference between a mid-table side and a title challenger often lies in the quality of finishing, and Milan demonstrated this disparity with devastating effect. Rather than engaging in a frantic battle for territory, Allegri’s side remained compact, patiently lurking for the inevitable defensive lapse from a Bologna backline that has struggled for consistency this season.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a moment of indecision from the home defenders. Following a botched clearance, Adrien Rabiot showed great awareness to recycle the play, fizzing a low cross into the danger zone. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was the quickest to react, ghosting into the six-yard box to tap the ball home from close range. The goal immediately shifted the psychological weight of the match, settling Milan’s nerves while visibly deflating the home crowd.
Disaster Strikes Before The Interval
As the first half progressed, Bologna’s fatigue began to manifest in heavy touches and mistimed challenges. Milan, sensing blood, increased their tempo. The decisive blow of the first period came in the 39th minute when Christopher Nkunku utilized his explosive pace to get behind the defensive line. Chasing a lofted ball, the French international forced goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia into a desperate lunging tackle.
The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Christopher Nkunku stepped up himself to take the resulting penalty, showing remarkable composure to send Ravaglia the wrong way. With a two-goal cushion established before the halftime whistle, the visitors had effectively sucked the life out of the contest, leaving Bologna with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Individual Errors Seal The Fate
Any tactical adjustments Italiano made during the break were rendered moot just minutes after the restart. In the 48th minute, a catastrophic individual error effectively ended the game as a contest. Defender Juan Miranda, attempting a routine throw-in deep in his own half, inexplicably threw the ball directly to the feet of Adrien Rabiot.
The French midfielder, who had been instrumental in the opening goal, did not hesitate. Adrien Rabiot controlled the gift, took one touch to set himself, and drilled a powerful, low strike into the bottom corner. The 3-0 lead allowed Milan to shift into a different gear, prioritizing game management and defensive solidity over further expansion.
Allegri’s Tactical Masterclass In Control
The final half-hour was a masterclass in "Allegriball." Despite Bologna boasting over 60% possession in the second half, they found it impossible to penetrate the Milanese fortress. Mike Maignan remained a vocal and focused presence in goal, comfortably dealing with a flurry of speculative long-range efforts and crosses that lacked the necessary precision to trouble him.
In the center of the park, the introduction of the veteran Luka Modric allowed Milan to dictate the tempo. The Croatian maestro used his immense experience to keep the ball moving, frustrating the Bologna players and ensuring that the Rossoneri conserved their energy for the battles ahead. It was a pragmatic and professional conclusion to a match that Milan dominated from a mental standpoint if not always a territorial one.
The Unbeaten Streak And The Road Ahead
This victory extends Milan's impressive unbeaten run in Serie A to 22 matches, a statistic that underscores their remarkable consistency. With a five-point gap now separating them from Inter, the title race is wide open. Milan's ability to produce such a dominant away performance, characterized by clinical finishing and defensive steel, suggests they have the stamina required for a long-distance title pursuit. As the season enters its final third, the Rossoneri have sent a clear message: they will not stop until the very last whistle of the campaign.