There’s a certain magic underpinning AC Milan’s stunning away journey this season, and their emphatic 3-0 victory against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is the latest chapter. As the Serie A 2025/26 campaign intensifies, Massimiliano Allegri’s side refuses to let Inter Milan, the league leaders, pull out of sight. Eight points now separate the top two, but Milan’s performance sends a clear message: the chase is very much alive.
Relentless pressure and clinical finishing: how Milan found their edge
The night began with Bologna determined to make home advantage count, dominating possession and dictating early play. But football isn’t merely about the ball—it’s about what you do with it. Milan had fewer touches, yet their intent was unmistakable, and opportunity was forged from persistence.
In just the 20th minute, a frenetic attack saw Christopher Nkunku denied twice at close range by a heroic Federico Ravaglia, only for Bologna’s relief to be short-lived. The Rossoneri’s midfield engine Adrien Rabiot coolly retrieved possession, sliding the ball perfectly for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who slotted into an open net with poise. With a single, clinical sequence, Milan turned the game on its head.
Turning defense into opportunity: the turning point of the match
Momentum can be a fickle ally, and Milan seized theirs ruthlessly. Bologna might have boasted more of the ball—54.5% possession and 13 shots in total—but Milan’s efficiency was unmatched. Just 19 minutes after the opener, Christopher Nkunku, who had been a constant thorn in Bologna’s side, was brought down in the box by Ravaglia, frustrated after being outfoxed by the Frenchman’s movement.
From the penalty spot, Nkunku showed nerves of steel, sending Ravaglia the wrong way and finding the bottom corner. That second goal was a psychological dagger, forcing Bologna to chase shadows while Milan absorbed pressure and waited for mistakes.
Mistakes punished: Rabiot seals the deal
Post-halftime, a moment of lapse from Bologna’s defense gifted Milan their third goal. Juan Miranda’s ambitious throw-in bypassed his teammates, and Rabiot—ever alert—pounced, cushioning the ball down before calmly finishing beneath the onrushing Ravaglia. The stadium fell silent as Rabiot, now with four goals and four assists this season, underscored his growing stature as a complete midfielder. Only Nico Paz shares such a statline among Serie A’s midfielders—a testament to Rabiot’s two-way influence.
Mike Maignan, Milan’s ever-reliable goalkeeper, celebrated his contract renewal with a key save that denied Jens Odgaard, preserving Milan’s clean sheet and highlighting his quiet but central role in the team’s resilience.
Away day records and the importance of midfield momentum
What makes this Milan side so formidable on the road? They remain unbeaten in their first 12 away Serie A matches—a feat last achieved in the iconic 2003-04 season. Breaking down the numbers offers a clearer picture:
- 12 away games: 7 wins, 5 draws—no defeats
- 7 shots on target from 10 attempts, yielding a 2.61 expected goals (xG)
- Efficient scoring: making the most of fewer chances
Recent transfer frustrations, like missing out on Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, have only fueled a collective spirit. With forwards still settling, it’s the midfield, powered by Rabiot and Loftus-Cheek, driving Milan higher in the table.