AC Milan produced a clinical performance as they maintained their lead at the Serie A summit with Napoli, Inter, and Juventus with a 2-0 victory over a determined but ineffective Bologna side.
The stakes were high for Stefano Pioli’s squad, who had already played seven matches after being crowned winners on the opening weekend of the season. However, the pressure was quickly lifted as Olivier Giroud opened the scoring early, setting a tone of dominance that never wavered.
🚀 @pulisic TAKE A BOW!
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) August 21, 2023
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In a well-coordinated attack, summer addition Christian Pulisic scored his first goal for the Rossoneri, extending their lead. Throughout the contest, it was clear that the visitors were ready to attack again, much more so than Bologna.
Tijjani Reijnders, another newcomer to the Milan ranks, seamlessly integrated into the midfield structure, even setting up Giroud’s opener. However, the narrative was less favorable for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the Englishman who went to Italy for a fresh start but failed to make a significant impact on the game before being carried off with less than 20 minutes remaining. .
AC Milan’s 2023-24 Serie A campaign got off to a triumphant start as they beat Bologna 2-0 amid sweltering summer heat at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Both of the squad’s goals were secured within the first half hour. Olivier Giroud opened the effort, converting brilliantly from a tight angle thanks to Tijjani Reijnders’ opening assist.
Christian Pulisic extended Milan’s lead inside ten minutes, expertly curling a strike from outside the box to the far post after an impressive interplay with Giroud. The second half saw a more measured performance from the Rossoneri, who had chances to reduce Bologna’s deficit.
Despite their fluctuating defensive performance, Milan remained focused on seizing opportunities to secure victory. The team maintained its rivalry with fellow Serie A rivals Inter, Napoli, and Juventus, each of whom also managed a win.
Stefano Pioli stuck to the pre-season line-up, fielding Rade Krunic in the center of midfield, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders as box-to-box contributors. Additionally, Christian Pulisic replaced Samuel Chukovs on the right wing.
Bologna almost took the lead seconds later, Lycogenes hitting the crossbar from distance. However, Milan gained the upper hand in the 12th minute as Pulisic’s expert cross met Regenders, who was promptly assisted by Giroud’s accurate finish.
Bologna continued to push for an equaliser, their high press trying to disrupt Milan’s rhythm. Still, Milan extended their lead in the 21st minute when Pulisic teamed up with Giroud, culminating in a rocketing shot inside the far post.
Although Bologna held on, their efforts failed, leaving Milan unbeaten. As the game progressed, both teams showed signs of fatigue in the 30-degree heat. While a last-minute shot from Leo hit the post, Milan’s victory was secured.
