Jimenez and Pulisic Propel AC Milan to Victory Over Bologna in European Chase

AC Milan staged a remarkable comeback, clinching a 3-1 victory over Bologna at the San Siro with two goals scored after the 60-minute mark, rekindling their aspirations for a top-four finish in Serie A.

With Milan desperate to avoid finishing lower than sixth for the first time in nearly a decade and Bologna pursuing a place in the UEFA Champions League, this match held significant implications, well beyond merely preparing for the upcoming Coppa Italia final.

The contest was characterised by fierce physicality, although it was disappointing for Fikayo Tomori, who had to leave the pitch just 12 minutes in due to a head injury sustained while trying to tackle Benjamin Dominguez.

Interestingly, it was Dominguez himself who registered the first real threat of the match, unleashing a powerful shot from distance that stung the palms of Mike Maignan following a turnover in possession.

However, clear-cut chances were scarce in the first half, although Bologna arguably created more danger, notably with Riccardo Orsolini failing to convert a golden opportunity by shooting over after a squared pass from Tommaso Pobega, who is on loan from Milan.

Yet to register a win against Milan in their past 11 encounters, Orsolini had time to ponder that missed chance. However, he shifted any frustration into a stellar performance just four minutes into the second half, converting a long ball that Thijs Dallinga flicked into his stride. Orsolini controlled it expertly before driving a low shot into the far corner.

A response from the Rossoneri was always likely, and after Bologna made a trio of substitutions, Theo Hernandez tried to mirror Orsolini’s goal but was denied by Lukasz Skorupski. In turn, Sergio Conceição matched Bologna’s changes with a fresh three-man introduction, including attacking talents Samuel Chukwueze and Santiago Gimenez.

With Milan revitalised, it was Gimenez who made an immediate impact. A turnover in possession sparked a swift team movement that led to the equaliser.

João Félix’s pass through the lines located Chukwueze, whose attempt to square the ball to Giménez was thwarted by Jhon Lucumí, but the deflection fell kindly for Christian Pulisic. He deftly set up the unmarked Giménez, who slotted home past Skorupski.

Moments later, Gimenez thought he’d completed a quickfire double as he lobbed Skorupski with a clever shot, only to see the assistant’s flag raised for offside.

However, it was on 79 minutes that Pulisic found the net to seemingly secure victory for Milan.

Bologna’s shambolic defending reared its head again as Maignan sent a long ball down the left, where Chukwueze evaded Charalampos Lykogiannis with finesse.

He then passed to Félix, whose shot was blocked by Sam Beukema, but the ball rolled to Pulisic, who seized the opportunity to score and shatter Bologna’s resistance. With a well-placed third goal by Giménez deep into stoppage time—set up by Chukwueze—the victory was sealed, marking a record 22 points that Milan has recovered from losing positions this season.

Despite their rocky start, Milan proved themselves as deserving winners, showcasing remarkable tactical acumen. This result could be pivotal for their European ambitions, while Bologna, despite still being above Milan in the standings, will surely lament the chance that slipped through their fingers.

Missing out on their first league double over Milan in 85 years is a concern in the immediate term, as they will now have to watch the teams battling for the top four and hope for favourable outcomes.