Match report of Milan-Bologna, which just ended 1-0 at San Siro and counted for the third round of Serie A.
Milan - Bologna first half
The opening spell belonged mainly to the Rossoneri, who in a 3-4-2-1 shape without the ball troubled Bologna. Two clear scoring chances came, but first Skorupski, then the post denied Milan. In the 10th minute, Gimenez went on a solo run after a surge from Loftus-Cheek, shifted the ball onto his left in tight space and shot, but the Bologna keeper saved. In the 23rd minute, Estupiñán cut inside from the left and curled a right-footed shot that hit the outside of the post.
Bologna grew into the game in the latter stages of the half, helped by Milan dropping deeper after bookings for Estupiñán and Tomori. A Cambiaghi goal was ruled out for offside, though Maignan faced little real danger. In the 45th minute Milan went close again: yet another Modric corner found Loftus-Cheek at the near post, his header went across goal, Gimenez tried to keep it alive but hit the post (the ball seemed to have gone out).
Milan - Bologna second half
Allegri made his first change at the break: De Winter replaced Pavlovic. Trouble arrived in the 54th minute when Maignan went down with a calf problem. He could not continue and limped off, with Terracciano coming on. The Rossoneri reacted and in the 61st minute took the lead through their veteran leader. A counter started by Luka Modric was finished by Luka Modric: Saelemaekers pulled the ball back and the Croatian struck first time on entering the box, beating Skorupski.
Milan hit their second post of the night in the 67th minute. Ricci, fresh on the pitch, fired from 25 meters and struck the woodwork. In the 69th minute Tomori picked out Gimenez in the middle, but the Mexican’s poor first touch forced him wide and his shot was blocked by Skorupski. The striker wasted another huge chance in the 82nd minute: a perfect through ball from Pulisic sent him clear, he tried to round Skorupski but shot onto the post.
In the 85th minute came the controversy. Nkunku was pushed from behind in the box by Lucumi, got back up and was then brought down by Freuler. Referee Marcenaro pointed to the spot, then after an on-field review canceled the penalty, judging Freuler’s challenge legal. The earlier shove by Lucumi went ignored. Allegri was then sent off for protesting. The scoreline did not change: Milan deservedly took all three points thanks to Luka Modric’s goal and three shots against the woodwork, as relayed via Milan Press.
