In a match that had all the ingredients for classic Serie A drama, AC Milan emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Bologna. The star of the show? None other than Luka Modric, whose inaugural goal for the Rossoneri was the decisive factor. But beyond the scoreline, the evening was a tapestry woven with flashes of brilliance, frustrating misses, a controversial VAR intervention, and a coach`s explosive reaction.
A Tactical Chess Match Turns Dynamic
The build-up to this encounter carried a subtle undertone of retribution for Milan, following a previous cup final skirmish. Coach Allegri, with a distinct tactical blueprint, opted for a 3-5-1-1 formation, placing Loftus-Cheek just behind the striker, Gimenez. The evergreen Modric anchored a deluxe midfield alongside Rabiot, orchestrating play from the center. Bologna, under Italiano, countered with Fabbian tasked primarily with shadowing Modric – a monumental assignment that, to no one`s surprise, proved largely in vain.
For the initial thirty minutes, Milan`s attacking machinery hummed with an almost bewildering fluidity. The ball circulated cleanly and effectively, with players constantly interchanging positions, denying Bologna any fixed reference points. Rabiot, Modric, Gimenez, Loftus-Cheek, and even Estupinan – who rattled the post with a fierce effort – all threatened Skorupski`s goal. It was a testament to Milan`s diversified offensive approach, largely orchestrated through central channels where Modric`s intricate passing and Rabiot`s incisive runs created a constant menace. Bologna, meanwhile, struggled to untangle themselves from Milan`s midfield grip, their attacking developments slow and predictable, easily contained by a disciplined Rossoneri defense.
The Maestro Delivers, But Concern Looms
Just as Milan’s initial propulsion seemed to wane around the half-hour mark – a momentary deflation likened to a collapsing soufflé – an unexpected jolt brought the second half to life. The first concern emerged when star goalkeeper Mike Maignan, clutching his right calf, signaled for a substitution, replaced by Terracciano. This unscripted exit immediately cast a shadow over an otherwise promising performance, reminding fans of the fragility inherent in professional sports.
However, any lingering anxieties were swiftly dispelled around the hour mark. Loftus-Cheek, displaying remarkable composure, instigated a counter-attack, feeding Saelemaekers on the flank. The Belgian then threaded a perfect pass to a surging Modric in the heart of the box. With the coolness of a seasoned artisan, Modric stroked the ball home with his right foot, sending the Meazza faithful into a rapturous standing ovation. It was a goal that encapsulated his enduring quality, defying the relentless march of time, and proving that class, much like a fine wine, only improves with age.
Near Misses, VAR Mayhem, and Allegri`s Eruption
The goal cracked the game wide open, with Bologna, now forced to chase, leaving vast expanses of space. Milan, however, seemed intent on making things harder for themselves. Ricci struck the post, and then Gimenez, with the goal at his mercy on two separate occasions, contrived to miss glaring opportunities, even hitting the woodwork again. One might ponder if the goalposts at San Siro had somehow been imbued with an irresistible magnetic pull for anything but the back of the net, such was Milan`s misfortune in front of goal.
The final five minutes descended into pure chaos. Substitute Nkunku earned what appeared to be a clear penalty after a challenge from Freuler inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, but the VAR, in a decision that would ignite widespread debate, intervened. After reviewing the monitor, the penalty was controversially rescinded, much to the disbelief of the Milan bench. This moment proved to be the tipping point for coach Max Allegri. His jacket came off – a familiar sight for those acquainted with his more impassioned touchline antics – and a torrent of furious protests followed, earning him an inevitable red card. A small price to pay, perhaps, for three crucial points, but a dramatic exit nonetheless.
Bologna, for their part, offered precious little throughout the match. Their attacking endeavors were largely sluggish and lacked conviction, registering not a single shot on target. Despite Milan`s profligacy and the late officiating drama, the Rossoneri`s victory was ultimately well-deserved, reflecting their dominant creation of chances, even if the conversion rate left much to be desired. Bologna`s three points from three games paints a rather bleak picture for their campaign, a noticeable departure from their usual competitive spirit under Italiano.
In the end, Milan walked away with three crucial points, a testament to Modric`s undeniable class and a somewhat chaotic, yet effective, team performance. While the win reinforces Milan`s promising start to the season, the recurring injury woes for Maignan and Allegri`s theatrical exit will undoubtedly provide fodder for discussion and analysis in the days to come. A thrilling, if not entirely composed, night at San Siro, proving once again that Italian football never truly lacks for drama, even when a single goal decides the fate of an evening.
Gilbert Pendleton