01-04-2016, 02:16 PM
First match of the new year after the Christmas break! Bologna has seen a recent resurgence with Donadoni at the helm. Nonetheless, we should really fancy our chances against a team in the bottom six, especially ahead of our match against Roma. I have attached the football-italia preview below which provides probable lineups, suspensions, etc.
Quote:Milan and Bologna's contrasting team morale is not truly evidenced in their current league positions.
Despite Milan technically being in the top six and Bologna in the bottom six, the Roberto Donadoni bounce instantly materialised for Bologna whilst Sinisa Mihajlovic continues to toil manfully in the pressure cooker, media mayhem of Milan.
The Rossoneri’s recent form has been mixed the team has the bad habit of playing to the level of the opposition. Not dropping points against Carpi and Verona would actually see them on 35 points with Roma, a team some still considered as possible Scudetto challengers. Kevin Prince Boateng will be available again with his 'reheated soup' deal now officially starting. The bipolar nature of Milan's performance in their 4-2 win, last game, against Frosinone typifies how hard it is to predict any Milan performance.
Defeats away to Torino and Empoli are the only real blots on Donadoni's Bologna copy book. The last away result before the Christmas break was a last gasp 1-0 road win at Genoa. That's the kind of win that punctuates the new found belief of a side that are incisive on the counter attack but can also be capable of more expansive play. In Italy a lot is made of 'the law of the ex' which is curious as players scoring and performing well against former teams is a straightforward nuance of the modern game. Donadoni and Destro will be hoping to be at the centre of such soundbites.
At this time of year fireworks displays are all the rage in Italy, this match has the potential ingredients to provide more.
Keep an eye on: Mattia Destro (Bologna) – The often misfiring striker saw an instant shift of narrative under his new Coach would be it. Destro is emblematic of Donadoni's work. He once more looks like the intelligent penalty box striker that pretty much averaged a goal a game at Siena and Roma. Connoisseurs of the direct, last defender rolling 'number 9' should get a double treat with Carlos Bacca also in fine fettle.
Form guide: Milan (W D D W W) Bologna (L W W L D)
Stat Fact: Bologna have not beaten Milan, home or away, since August 2008 with just four draws and seven defeats.
Milan (probable): Donnarumma, Abate, Alex, Mexes, De Sciglio, Honda, Montolivo, Bertolacci, Bonaventura, Bacca, Niang
Suspended: Romagnoli
Bologna (probable): Mirante, Rossettini, Oikonomou, Gastaldello, Masina, Taider, Diawara, Donsah, Mounier, Destro, Giaccherini
Suspended: None
Words: Federico Martone
Siamo a posto cosi.
It is to show that such crap won't be tolerated.