AC Milan earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bologna in the third round of the 2025/26 Serie A season at San Siro, courtesy of Luka Modrić’s clinical finish in the 61st minute, set up by Alexis Saelemaekers. The Rossoneri now sit on six points, climbing to joint-third alongside Cremonese and Roma, one point behind Udinese and three adrift of leaders Napoli and Juventus.
The contest was evenly balanced, with both sides creating chances, but Milan made theirs count. The win extends Allegri’s side’s encouraging start to the campaign, with two victories from their opening three matches.
Defensively, the Rossoneri stood firm, recording back-to-back clean sheets. Allegri’s men sought to dominate possession and stretch Bologna out wide, though they struggled at times in the first half. The breakthrough came after the restart through Modrić’s precise strike. An injury to goalkeeper Mike Maignan forced Allegri to bring on Terracciano, while the introductions of De Winter and Ricci added energy to the side as they absorbed Bologna’s late pressure. New signing Adrien Rabiot also impressed on his debut.
With smiles all around, Milan now turn their attention to their next challenge against Udinese on Saturday.
The tempo was high in the first half, with both teams trying to take control of the game. AC Milan started well, in the 7th minute Rabiot’s shot was deflected and the same happened to Modrić just moments later. In the eleventh minute, Giménez began his battle with Skorupski as he found his shot saved. In the 14th minute, Cambiaghi had his coaled ruled for offside. Bologna proved dangerous again through Lykogiannis in the 21st minute. In the 24th minute, Saelemaekers played in Estupiñan who hit the post. Just before the break: Modrić’s corner was flicked on by Gabbia, and Giménez hit the post with a sliding effort.
In the second half, AC Milan opted for an immediate change: De Winter for Pavlović. In the 56th minute, Maignan was forced off due to injury and replaced by Terracciano. The winning goal came in the 61st minute as Modrić scored from Saelemaekers’ assist. Bologna tried to fight back but the Rossoneri’s defence proved solid. Ricci came on in the 67th minute and hit the post from distance. In the 70th and 83rd minute, Giménez went close but spoilt two big changes. The Diavolo managed the lead well, almost going close to winning a penalty in stoppage time before it was overturned by VAR.
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan (56′ Terracciano); Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović (46′ De Winter); Saelemaekers, Fofana (65′ Ricci), Modrić, Rabiot, Estupiñan; Loftus-Cheek (65′ Pulisic), Gimenez (85′ Nkunku). Subs: Pittarella; Athekame, Bartesaghi, Odogu; Balentien. Coach: Allegri.
BOLOGNA (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea, Lucumí, Heggem, Lykogiannīs (62′ Miranda); Ferguson, Freuler; Orsolini (74′ Odgaard), Fabbian (62′ Bernardeschi), Cambiaghi (74′ Rowe); Castro (83′ Dallinga). Subs: Happonen, Ravaglia; De Silvestri, Tomašević, Vitík; Moro; Domínguez. Coach: Italiano.
Referee: Marcenaro from Genova.
Goals: 61′ Modrić (M).
Booked: 10′ Estupiñan (M), 18′ Tomori (M), 45′ Saelemaekers (M), 73′ Miranda (B), 86′ Skorupski (B).
Sent off: 90′ Allegri (M) from the bench.
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