Mansion Sports – AC Milan’s narrow 1-0 victory over Bologna at San Siro was marked by a series of dramatic moments, from difficulties in breaking down the opposition’s defense and wasted opportunities to the red card incident involving head coach Massimiliano Allegri. 

The Rossoneri manager also provided updates on the injury sustained by his first-choice goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.

A Difficult Night at San Siro

Despite dominating proceedings, AC Milan found it challenging to find the back of the net at San Siro.

The players even faced jeers from their supporters at halftime, as Bologna managed to keep possession for extended periods. 

Milan were also unlucky when the ball struck the woodwork on several occasions before Luka Modrić finally secured the winning goal with an assist from Alexis Saelemaekers.

Allegri praised the contribution of the veteran midfielder, stating: “Luka is an extraordinary player. Watching him on the pitch is a pleasure, yet he remains humble like a true champion. He always knows where the ball is going and possesses remarkable technique,” he told DAZN Italia.

Team Consistency and Mental Resilience

The coach underlined the importance of the victory for Milan. “We have now managed two consecutive clean sheets and remained solid during difficult spells. In those moments, the team must stay united and wait patiently for opportunities to come,” Allegri explained.

He also voiced support for Santiago Giménez, who struggled with finishing. “He worked tirelessly, pressed the opposition, and created chances. It is natural that his sharpness in front of goal diminished after giving so much energy for the team,” he added.

Allegri’s Red Card Controversy

The match heated up when Milan were initially awarded a penalty following a foul on Christopher Nkunku. 

However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. Allegri, furious with the reversal, protested vehemently to the fourth official and was subsequently sent off.

“That was clearly a penalty, and at that moment I had something to say to the fourth official. Luckily, my jacket saved the situation,” Allegri joked in reference to the heated exchange.

Injury Concerns for Key Players

Unfortunately, Milan’s hard-fought win came at a cost. Strahinja Pavlović and Mike Maignan both suffered muscle injuries, while Rafael Leão remained unavailable. Allegri provided an update on the status of his star goalkeeper.

“I do not think Maignan will be ready for the match against Udinese, as calf injuries are quite sensitive. However, Terracciano has already made his debut, and we also have Torriani available. What matters most is that we continue to work as a team. If one player is absent, we must preserve this collective spirit,” Allegri stated.

A New Dynamic in Midfield

In this fixture, Allegri experimented with a new midfield combination, deploying Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Adrien Rabiot alongside Luka Modrić. The setup was praised for offering greater fluidity and variety in movement.

“These players have the right characteristics. They move dynamically, and that is crucial when the opposition tries to apply man-marking. Movement is the key,” Allegri concluded.