Milan suffered a hard blow on matchday 9 of Serie A when they lost 2‑4 against Bologna at the San Siro, before the expected derby against Inter. The match, which was played on Wednesday, October 28, left Rúben Amorim's team in fifth position in the table, seven points behind the leader Inter, and confirmed the intermediate position of Bologna, which was in eleventh place.
The match began with pressure from Bologna, who scored the first goal through Nadir Zortea in the 8th minute. The Belgian striker created danger with a low cross that SamuelMbangula converted with his right foot, putting the red-and-blacks at a disadvantage. Shortly after, Milan responded with a momentary comeback: an error by Arthur Theate allowed Hutchinson to recover the ball, which was passed to AlphadjoCissé. The amateur center scored in the 14th minute, his third goal of the season, and scored again in the 27th minute after a cross from FikayoTomori, giving Milan a 2-1 lead.
However, the second half was dominated by Bologna. The Belgian striker was injured and left the field in the 42nd minute, but the team did not lose momentum. A DavideBartesaghi own goal in the 61st minute sealed the victory, and Mbangula added two more goals. The first came after a cross from JuanMiranda, which the Belgian winger cut past AmadouDiawara and beat MikeMaignan, making it 2‑3. The second goal, in the 86th minute, was assisted by JensOdgaard and completed the score 2‑4.
Despite the defeat, Milan showed moments of quality. ChristianPulisic came close to scoring in the 89th minute, deflecting a header off a YunusMusah cross, but Skorupski's save saved the score. The result leaves Milan with 18 points, while Bologna has 13, consolidating the difference of seven points with the leader Inter.
With Saturday's derby still pending, Milan will have to adjust their strategy before facing Inter, while Bologna will continue to look for stability in the middle of the table. The next round of Serie A will be crucial for both teams, as they seek to consolidate their position and avoid the relegation zone.