Bologna – Milan Serie A Week 23

Milan’s season is such that this game comes nine days after the tie against Roma – with the next game at Pisa 10 games later. In the midst of this layoff the winter transfer window comes to its conclusion. At the time of writing Jean-Philippe Mateta imminent transfer to Milan has failed due to discovery of a knee issue that may force the player into surgery. Mateta has played regularly for his team, Crystal Palace, in recent weeks so this is a good catch and risk mitigation by Milan, again. Remembering Victor Boniface’s summer saga and failed transfer.

Milan head to Bologna second in the table with Inter threatening to run away with the title. Inter lie eight points ahead having played one extra game as of writing. Napoli, Juventus, Roma and indeed Como are not far behind, all within six points.

A few players are playing below 100% and Saelemaekers is certain to miss out on this trip to the Dall’Ara. Athekame is the likely alternative. Pulisic and Leao are uncertain for the same reason but neither is expected to remain out beyond a few days. This leaves Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek as the starters further up the pitch. The midfield will feature Ricci, Modric, Rabiot and Bartesaghi with Fofana having a chance to start in Ricci’s place. Pavlovic is reportedly still out with De Winter, Tomori and Gabbia at the back. Gazzetta reports that Tomori may require rest, in which case Pavlovic can start. The newly extended Maignan will be in between the posts of course.

The team may look the same after the deadline passes on the evening of February 2nd. The stated aim of qualifying for the Champions League may depend on the health of the 23 players already on the team. That is unless a surprise arrives in the last hours of the transfer window.

Bologna have struggled in recent weeks with one Serie A win in the last 10.

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