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

AC Milan struck twice in the final 30 minutes to clinch a 3-1 comeback victory against Bologna at the San Siro, reigniting their aspirations for a top-four finish in Serie A.

With Milan determined to avoid finishing lower than sixth for the first time in nine seasons, and Bologna eager for a return to the UEFA Champions League, this encounter was more than just preparation for the upcoming Coppa Italia final.

Both teams showcased their physicality, yet Fikayo Tomori’s match ended prematurely as he was forced off after just 12 minutes due to a head injury from an attempted challenge on Benjamin Dominguez.

It was Dominguez who initiated the game’s first significant attempt, firing a low shot from distance that tested Mike Maignan early on following a turnover in play.

Aside from that moment, both teams struggled to create cohesive opportunities, although Bologna seemed slightly more threatening in the first half, illustrated by Riccardo Orsolini’s shot that sailed over the bar after a pass from Milan loanee Tommaso Pobega.

Orsolini, who had never won against Milan in his previous 11 encounters, had time to contemplate that miss during the break. However, he channeled his frustration well, scoring just four minutes into the second half. A long ball allowed Thijs Dallinga to flick a header down the right flank into Orsolini’s path, where he controlled the ball calmly before firing it low into the far corner.

A response from the Rossoneri was expected, and after Bologna made a series of substitutions, Theo Hernandez came close to mirroring Orsolini’s goal, only for his shot to be saved by Lukasz Skorupski. Bologna’s coach, Sergio Conceição, made a trio of changes shortly thereafter, including the introduction of attacking players Samuel Chukwueze and Santiago Gimenez.

With Milan rejuvenated by the substitutions, it was Gimenez who quickly made an impact. A change in possession led João Félix to pass to Chukwueze, whose square attempt for Gimenez was blocked, but the ball ricocheted into the path of Christian Pulisic. Pulisic played in the unmarked Gimenez, who calmly side-footed the ball through Skorupski’s legs.

Gimenez almost added a second just two minutes later when he lobbed Skorupski from a direct ball, but his effort was ruled offside.

However, with 79 minutes on the clock, Pulisic found the back of the net, seemingly securing the win for Milan.

Once again, poor defending proved costly for Bologna. A long ball from Maignan down the left flank found Chukwueze, who elegantly dribbled past Charalampos Lykogiannis. He then set up Félix, and although his shot was blocked by Sam Beukema, the ball fell perfectly for Pulisic, who struck to shatter Bologna’s resolve. Gimenez capped off the victory with a well-taken goal deep into stoppage time, assisted by Chukwueze, extending Milan’s tally of points recovered from losing positions to a league-leading total of 22.

Despite a shaky start, Milan earned a well-deserved victory, showcasing impressive tactical awareness. This result is crucial for their European ambitions, while Bologna will be left pondering a missed opportunity, sitting just above Milan in the table.

Missing out on a chance for a league double for the first time in 85 years is just one of their pressing concerns as they watch the top-four hopefuls above them this weekend, hoping for favourable outcomes.