AC Milan secured a pivotal 1-0 victory over Bologna, a result that, while only a single goal margin, was anything but mundane. The match at San Siro was a spectacle of tactical maneuvering, controversial officiating, and individual brilliance, ultimately decided by a familiar name making his mark in Rossoneri colors: Luka Modric. However, the celebrations were tinged with a dash of VAR-induced frustration and a significant injury concern.
The Modric Magic: A New Maestro Takes the Stage
It was Luka Modric, the Croatian maestro, who stole the headlines, delivering a goal that was both decisive and emblematic of his enduring class. After a somewhat sluggish first half from Milan, Modric took center stage around the hour mark. A sagely managed counter-attack by Loftus-Cheek, an assist from Saelemaekers, and then – a precise right-footed finish from Modric, leaving the Bologna defense merely spectators. The Meazza faithful, predictably, rose in unison, showering their new hero with a standing ovation. It was his “first fresco” in Rossoneri red and black, a moment that promised much for Milan`s season.
This goal, however, was merely the crescendo in a performance that saw Milan assert significant dominance, albeit with a frustrating lack of clinical finishing. The Rossoneri rattled the woodwork three times and squandered numerous other opportunities in front of Bologna`s goalkeeper, Skorupski. Bologna, in stark contrast, offered little in attack, failing to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match. One might almost call it a generous scoreline, given Milan`s offensive output.
Tactical Engagements and Missed Opportunities
Under Allegri`s guidance, Milan adopted a 3-5-1-1 formation, featuring Loftus-Cheek supporting Gimenez, and Modric anchoring a deluxe midfield alongside Rabiot. The early phases saw Milan`s offensive play characterized by clean, effective ball circulation, making them indecipherable for Bologna. Modric, often pushing high, orchestrated attacks centrally, with Rabiot expertly exploiting spaces and Fofana providing cover against counter-attacks.
Despite this mature and well-managed offensive phase, Milan`s propensity for missing chances was noteworthy. Five different players – Rabiot, Modric, Gimenez, Loftus-Cheek, and Estupinan (who hit the post) – threatened Bologna`s goal within the first 24 minutes. If only the finishing matched the build-up, this would have been a far less nail-biting affair. Bologna, on the other hand, struggled to break Milan`s midfield stranglehold, resorting mainly to flank attacks that rarely translated into genuine threats, save for a disallowed Cambiaghi goal for offside.
The VAR Vortex and Allegri`s Incandescent Exit
The match, having settled into a rather dull rhythm towards the end of the first half, burst into life again in the second, primarily due to Modric`s intervention and, inevitably, a dose of VAR controversy. In the final five minutes, substitute Nkunku earned a penalty after a challenge from Freuler. However, in a scene that has become all too familiar in modern football, the referee, Marcenaro, was called to the monitor by VAR and subsequently rescinded the decision.
This contentious call proved to be the final straw for Milan coach Allegri. In a moment of pure, unadulterated passion (or perhaps just theatrical fury), he shed his jacket and confronted the officials. The ensuing verbal volley was swift and direct, leading to an inevitable red card for the Milan coach. In a sport often accused of becoming too sterile, Allegri’s ejection was a reminder that even amidst technological oversight, human emotion remains a potent, if sometimes self-destructive, force. For Milan, the three points secured meant this dramatic exit was, perhaps, an “acceptable tribute.”
Maignan`s Worrying Exit: A Cloud on the Horizon
Adding to Milan`s concerns was the forced substitution of star goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Around the half-hour mark, Maignan sat down, signaling a problem with his right calf. He struggled visibly, even descending the tunnel, hinting at the severity of the issue. His departure, replaced by Terracciano, casts a significant shadow over Milan`s immediate future. A goalkeeper of Maignan`s caliber is not easily replaced, and his absence could prove challenging as the season progresses. As some might observe with a knowing nod, a team is often only as strong as its weakest link, or in this case, the health of its most vital custodian.
Bologna`s Dismal Start: A Cause for Concern
For Bologna, this 1-0 defeat marks a truly poor start to their campaign, accumulating only three points from three games. Despite attempts to raise their game in the second half, their efforts lacked conviction. Italiano`s side looked listless and lacked creativity, particularly in the attacking third. Without key players like Holm, Casale, Pobega, Sulemana, and Immobile, Bologna seemed utterly devoid of ideas, unable to trouble Milan`s defense or even force a save from either Maignan or Terracciano. This performance suggests a long season ahead for the Rossoblu unless they can rediscover their attacking spark.
A Victory, But Not Without Its Talking Points
Milan`s 1-0 victory over Bologna was a complex tapestry of individual brilliance, collective effort, missed opportunities, and dramatic incidents. Modric`s goal was a moment of pure quality, delivering three vital points. Yet, the overturned penalty, Allegri`s red card, and Maignan`s injury leave plenty for fans and pundits to dissect. It was a win, undoubtedly deserved, but one that raises as many questions as it answers for the Rossoneri as they navigate the early stages of the season.
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt