AC Milan secured a vital 1-0 victory over Bologna at San Siro, with veteran midfielder Luka Modric scoring his highly anticipated debut goal for the Rossoneri. The match was a rollercoaster of attacking flair, missed opportunities, and intense VAR drama that saw coach Massimiliano Allegri sent off in a theatrical display of protest.
A Tactical Chess Match Turned One-Man Show
The encounter, somewhat a psychological rematch of a recent Coppa Italia final, saw AC Milan under Allegri deploying a 3-5-1-1 formation, featuring Loftus-Cheek supporting Gimenez, and a deluxe midfield trio with Modric at its core alongside Rabiot and Fofana. Vincenzo Italiano`s Bologna, hobbled by injuries, opted for Fabbian behind Castro, with Lucumi and Heggem anchoring the defense.
Bologna`s initial strategy was clear: shackle Modric. Fabbian was tasked with shadowing the Croatian maestro, a formidable challenge given Modric`s tendency to roam high up the pitch, adding layers to Milan`s offensive schemes. For the first half-hour, Milan proved elusive, attacking through various channels and refusing to offer fixed reference points. Their ball circulation, while not always lightning-fast, was precise and effective, with players seamlessly occupying optimal spaces.
This fluidity resulted in a barrage of early opportunities. Rabiot and Modric had shots blocked, Skorupski was tested by Gimenez, Loftus-Cheek showcased his physical prowess with a surging run, and Estupinan rattled the post. Five different players, all poised to inflict damage. Milan`s offensive thrust was predominantly central, leveraging Modric`s intricate passing, Rabiot`s intelligent runs into space, and Fofana`s vigilance against counter-attacks. Bologna, in contrast, struggled to break Milan`s midfield stranglehold, their build-up play too languid, their key midfielders easily neutralized. They primarily sought inroads down the flanks but lacked the decisive penetration. An early disallowed goal for Cambiaghi for offside served as a rare moment of attacking intent for the visitors.
The Soufflé Deflates, Then Re-inflates with Modric`s Spark
Around the half-hour mark, Milan`s initial momentum seemed to dissipate, much like a soufflé that loses its air. The game meandered into a drab phase, a signal Bologna, unfortunately, failed to heed. The second half began with De Winter replacing Pavlovic for Milan, and a slightly more assertive Bologna, though their conviction seemed more obligatory than genuine.
Then came a moment of concern for Milan. Ten minutes into the half, star goalkeeper Mike Maignan sat down, indicating a right calf issue, and was reluctantly replaced by Terracciano. The collective anxiety at San Siro was palpable, but it was quickly, and gloriously, dispelled on the hour mark.
**The King Arrives.** Loftus-Cheek, demonstrating astute playmaking, initiated a rapid counter-attack, feeding Saelemaekers. The Belgian then threaded a perfect pass to Luka Modric, who had made a perfectly timed run into the heart of the box, leaving Fabbian in his wake. A precise right-footed finish found the back of the net, igniting a thunderous standing ovation from the Meazza faithful. It was his first goal in Rossonero, and it was utterly decisive.
VAR Drama and Allegri`s Red Mist
Modric`s goal cracked the game wide open. Bologna, now chasing an equalizer, left gaping highways for Milan to exploit. Ricci hit the post in the 68th minute, and Gimenez inexplicably squandered two golden opportunities moments later, first failing to beat Skorupski one-on-one, then hitting the post after losing his composure.
The final five minutes descended into sheer chaos. Substitute Nkunku earned a penalty after a challenge from Freuler. The initial decision was a spot-kick, but then came the inevitable VAR intervention. Marcenaro, the referee, was called to the monitor, and to the bewilderment of many (and the fiery indignation of one Massimiliano Allegri), the penalty was controversially rescinded. Allegri, never one to shy away from a dramatic protest – a “déjà vu juventino” for those familiar with his touchline antics – shed his jacket and launched into a furious tirade directed at the officials. The inevitable red card followed.
The decision ignited a storm of protests and sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits alike. The specific sequence of events, involving multiple contacts in the box and the VAR`s selective presentation of replays, left many questioning the consistency and application of the technology. For Milan supporters, it felt like an injustice, robbing them of an opportunity to extend their lead comfortably. For neutrals, it was a prime example of football`s enduring, often frustrating, relationship with technology.
Milan Progress, Bologna`s Plight Deepens
Despite the VAR drama and Allegri`s dramatic exit, Milan held on for a deserved victory. They created ample opportunities, even hitting the woodwork multiple times, and showcased significant improvement. For Bologna, however, the picture is stark. Three points from three games is a meager return for a side aiming for European contention. Italiano`s men appeared subdued and lacked incisiveness, failing to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match – an unpleasant novelty for a coach known for his attacking principles.
While the injury to Maignan casts a shadow, Milan will take confidence from this performance. Modric`s immediate impact, combined with improved cohesion, signals a promising trajectory. For Bologna, introspection is needed. The lack of attacking threat and the early season struggles suggest a challenging road ahead for Coach Italiano. The football world will be watching to see if they can rediscover their spark, or if this subdued start is a harbinger of difficulties to come.
