Luka Modric celebrates his decisive goal for AC Milan against Bologna.
In a match that unfolded like a Shakespearean drama, AC Milan emerged victorious over Bologna with a slender 1-0 scoreline, largely thanks to the seasoned brilliance of Luka Modric. His inaugural goal in the Rossoneri colors not only secured three crucial points but also provided a dazzling, albeit chaotic, spectacle for the San Siro faithful. While not a direct “revenge” for a Coppa Italia final, this victory certainly added a bittersweet note to Bologna`s already faltering start to the season, leaving them with a mere three points from three league outings.
A Tactical Chess Match: Allegri`s Setup and Modric`s Influence
Manager Massimiliano Allegri deployed a 3-5-1-1 formation, opting for Loftus-Cheek in a creative role behind Gimenez, with Pulisic held in reserve. The midfield was a veritable galaxy of stars, featuring Modric at its heart, flanked by Rabiot on the left. This setup, as the first half demonstrated, aimed for fluidity and unpredictability. Modric, rather than being confined, frequently pushed into the attacking third, expanding Milan`s offensive solutions and making it notoriously difficult for Bologna`s Fabbian, tasked with shadowing the Croatian maestro, to keep pace.
Milan`s early offensive displays were a testament to their tactical execution. Despite a somewhat measured build-up, their passes were clean, efficient, and everyone seemed to occupy the correct spaces. This led to a flurry of chances within the first 24 minutes, with Rabiot, Modric, Gimenez, Loftus-Cheek, and Estupinan all threatening Bologna`s goal – the latter even rattling the post. The focus of Milan`s assault was predominantly central, with Modric orchestrating, Rabiot exploiting gaps, and Fofana diligently guarding against counter-attacks. Bologna, in contrast, struggled to break Milan`s stranglehold in the midfield, their attacks often too slow to materialize, leaving their wing-based efforts largely ineffective. An early disallowed goal for Cambiaghi due to offside served as a minor, quickly forgotten footnote in Bologna`s muted attacking narrative.
Second Half Saga: Injury, Genius, and VAR Volatility
The second half began with a tactical change for Bologna, as De Winter replaced Pavlovic, signaling an attempt to push higher up the pitch. However, this ambition seemed to lack genuine conviction. A significant blow for Milan arrived after ten minutes when goalkeeper Mike Maignan collapsed, clutching his right calf, necessitating his substitution by Terracciano. This injury immediately cast a shadow over Milan`s promising performance, raising concerns about the duration of the French international`s absence.
Yet, like a sudden burst of sunshine, the mood at the hour mark dramatically shifted. It was then that Luka Modric ascended to his rightful throne. Loftus-Cheek, with admirable composure, initiated a counter-attack, feeding Saelemaekers, who, in turn, delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of a surging Modric. The Croatian, with typical precision, dispatched the ball into the net with a right-footed shot, igniting a thunderous standing ovation from the Meazza crowd. Fabbian, once tasked with neutralizing Modric, could only watch, perhaps contemplating the futility of such a grand endeavor against genuine royalty.
Modric`s goal invigorated the match, transforming it into a more open contest. Unfortunately for Bologna, this openness merely presented Milan with more avenues to squander. Ricci struck the post in the 68th minute, and Gimenez, in what could only be described as a masterclass in profligacy, twice failed to convert clear-cut chances against Skorupski, even hitting the post again after losing his composure. Milan`s wastefulness ensured the score remained precarious, setting the stage for the match`s most controversial sequence.
The VAR Tempest and Allegri`s Eruption
In the dying minutes, substitute Nkunku was awarded a penalty after a challenge from Freuler. The initial decision, however, was swiftly contradicted by the VAR. Following a review at the monitor, the referee, Marcenaro, bafflingly rescinded the penalty. This contentious decision pushed Allegri, a man renowned for his tactical acumen and, occasionally, his volcanic temper, to his breaking point. Shedding his jacket in a moment of incandescent fury – a scene that brought back fond Juventus memories for some – he launched into a tirade against the referee and the fourth official. The ensuing red card was, by all accounts, an inevitable consequence, a dramatic capstone to a match steeped in chaos.
Despite the refereeing imbroglio and Allegri`s touchline expulsion, Milan`s victory was ultimately deserved. They hit the woodwork four times and created an abundance of chances against a Bologna side that lacked both attacking lucidity and defensive resolve. This defeat marks a significant setback for Vincenzo Italiano`s Bologna, who looked surprisingly subdued and offered virtually nothing in front of goal. For Milan, however, it represents a vital three points, a testament to their evident improvement, and a memorable debut goal for a certain Croatian magician – even if Allegri had to pay a “fine” for the theatrics.
