AC Milan 2–4 Bologna: match recap

Match recap

Bologna stunned AC Milan 4-2 at San Siro, with Samuel Mbangula scoring a hat-trick to hand the Rossoneri a heavy home defeat. Despite dominating possession, Milan's defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by Bologna's sharp counter-attacks.

The match began with Bologna taking an early lead through Mbangula, who slotted home after a defensive lapse from Milan. The home side responded with A. Cissè equalizing with a brace, but Bologna's superior finishing told in the second half. Mbangula completed his hat-trick, adding two more goals as Milan's high line was repeatedly breached. Bologna's ability to convert chances—5 shots on target from 9 attempts—proved decisive against Milan's 3 from 8. The Rossoneri's possession advantage (671 passes to 338) yielded no reward as their build-up play lacked incision in the final third.

Key factors

• Bologna's clinical finishing converted 4 of 5 shots on target, while Milan managed only 3 from 8.
• Milan's porous defense conceded four goals despite facing only 9 shots total, exposing structural issues in their backline.
• Mbangula's individual brilliance—3 goals from 4 shots—single-handedly decided the contest.

The Analyst's take

Bologna's ruthless efficiency in front of goal, powered by Mbangula's hat-trick, exposed Milan's defensive vulnerabilities despite their possession dominance. With key injuries—Milan missing Rabiot, Loftus-Cheek, Gabbia, and others—the Rossoneri's depth was tested and found wanting. Looking ahead, Milan must tighten their defensive organization to avoid similar lapses against mid-table sides.