Serie A Opening Round Preview: Can AC Milan Maintain Their Edge? Bologna’s Hope in Dutch Forward

The disappointment of AC Milan failing to retain the Scudetto last season likely came as no shock to their fans. With aging strikers like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Olivier Giroud and Divock Origi failing to inspire confidence from the start, the Rossoneri faced clear hurdles. However, their eventual reclaiming of a Champions League qualification spot, aided by Juventus’ points deductions, was a more unexpected and welcome turn of events.

While falling short in Serie A, Milan exceeded expectations in Europe by reaching the Champions League semifinals. Against teams like Chelsea, Tottenham, and Napoli—sides that seemed superior on paper—Milan’s spirited performances marked a high point in their season. Yet, their subsequent defeat to an in-form Inter Milan in the semifinals was predictable, given their aging frontline and evident squad limitations.

Transfers and Squad Changes

The summer transfer window brought significant changes to Milan, beginning with the controversial sale of Sandro Tonali. Despite Tonali's vocal loyalty to the club, ownership opted to cash in, transferring the midfielder to Newcastle United. For Milan, it was a painful loss, but for Tonali, the move offered opportunities to play in a more competitive league and a team likely to progress further in Europe. Staying in Milan under intense scrutiny and the club's limited financial backing could have hindered his development into a world-class midfielder.

Another major departure was Brahim Díaz, who returned to Real Madrid after a successful loan spell. Díaz had grown into a pivotal attacking midfielder for Milan, delivering standout performances against Juventus and Inter last season. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, particularly as Milan received no transfer fee for his return.

Additionally, Ante Rebić, Junior Messias, and Charles De Ketelaere departed in various forms, marking the end of disappointing or inconsistent tenures at the club. For fans, these exits are bittersweet but likely seen as necessary for both the players’ careers and Milan’s squad restructuring.

One of the most emotional moments of the summer was Zlatan Ibrahimović’s high-profile retirement. With his larger-than-life personality, Ibrahimović is expected to seamlessly transition to a role where his words, not his legs, take center stage.

Milan reinvested the funds from Tonali’s sale into six new players. Among the most recognizable names are Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Pulisic, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form. His tendency to overcommit in dribbles and leave himself vulnerable to challenges has contributed to his fitness issues. As he matures, Milan fans will hope for a more balanced and disciplined approach to his game.

Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, brings undeniable physical and technical attributes, traits that earned him opportunities under several Chelsea managers. However, as a central midfielder, his football intelligence and tactical awareness have often been called into question. With limited room for growth in these areas, expectations for Loftus-Cheek’s impact at Milan remain cautious.

Bologna’s Quiet but Stable Progress

Thiago Motta’s Bologna enjoyed a steady 2022-23 campaign, finishing comfortably in mid-table. Their consistent attacking output ensured safety, with contributions from veteran striker Marko Arnautović and local talent Riccardo Orsolini, who reached double figures in goals.

However, with Arnautović’s return to Inter Milan this summer, Motta faces the challenge of maintaining his team’s attacking potency. The solution may lie in 23-year-old Dutch forward Sydney van Hooijdonk, who impressed during a loan spell at Eredivisie side Heerenveen with 16 goals last season. Transitioning back to Serie A will undoubtedly be more challenging, but his potential offers hope for Bologna’s future.

Head-to-Head and Expectations

Bologna’s recent record against Milan underscores the difficulty of their task. The last time they defeated the Rossoneri dates back to 2016, while their most recent home victory against Milan occurred in 2002. A hard-fought draw at home last season was seen as a significant achievement.

For Milan, Stefano Pioli’s ability to integrate new players into his system will be key. If the squad can gel quickly, Milan’s prospects for the season look promising. Bologna, meanwhile, will aim to leverage Motta’s tactical acumen and the hunger of younger players like van Hooijdonk to punch above their weight.

The opening match between these two sides promises intrigue, with Milan likely to edge out a 2-1 victory to kick off their campaign on a high note.