After a draw that felt like a defeat against Feyenoord in the Champions League and a league debacle in Turin, the rescheduled match from Serie A’s 9th round is Milan’s last lifeline to reach fourth place and qualify for Europe’s elite competition. Bologna also approaches the clash at the Dall’Ara with bitterness, as they didn’t expect to stumble in the provincial derby against Parma at the Tardini. An encouraging factor for the hosts is that securing a Europa League spot wouldn’t be the end of the world—on the contrary, a second consecutive season in European competitions would be considered a success.🚨 AC Milan have earmarked Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri as a potential replacement for Theo Hernandez. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport) pic.twitter.com/dVZOXYxj28— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 27, 2025 A draw benefits neither Bologna nor Milan; only a win keeps their hopes of reaching the Champions League alive. Furthermore, Milan’s fate will be decided in the next three days, as they face Lazio on Sunday—a direct rival for a prestigious and well-paid European spot. Zlatan Ibrahimović and Milan’s management have backed coach Sergio Conceicao even after the unexpected setback in Turin. The Portuguese coach has the club’s trust, at least in the short term—though, in reality, few believe that Conceicao will remain in charge next season. However, for things to improve, he must build trust within the locker room between himself and the players.Milan’s agony continues as Torino take down woeful RossonerriLike his predecessor Paulo Fonseca, Conceicao quickly clashed with Milan’s senior players, from Theo Hernández to Rafael Leao. It’s no coincidence that Milan’s last two failures resulted from rookie mistakes by their most experienced players—Hernández and goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Few details have leaked from Milanello regarding the lineup for tonight’s match. One confirmed piece of information is that, despite his visibly poor form, the French goalkeeper will start. Simply put, backups Marco Sportiello and Lorenzo Torriani are not up to the task. Sportiello does not inspire confidence, while Torriani is too inexperienced.Ibra signed Felix after five minute debateIt’s no secret that Leao and Felix are both a problem and a potential solution to Conceicao’s struggles. Leao has played at his best level in only about ten matches this season, while Felix, after an impressive start in his first two games for Milan, has completely faded. Conceicao, like Fonseca before him, is making a tactical mistake. Leao is a player who needs space—at least 20 to 30 meters—to showcase his best qualities. If Milan plays with four attackers, plus Theo Hernández and Alex Jiménez (Walker will miss tonight’s game, but Milanello hopes he will be fit for Lazio) as full-backs, and Tijjani Reijnders in midfield, it’s clear that Leao must track back and contribute defensively when the team is out of possession. Regardless of whether Leao is unwilling or simply unable to perform effectively in both phases of play, the fact remains that he has regressed this season.Ibra shines again: ‘Today I’m the bodyguard: if they have to shoot someone, let them shoot me’While there are ongoing misunderstandings—bordering on tensions—between Leao and the coach, Conceicao has a nearly fatherly relationship with Joao Felix. The former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid player is a favorite of the Rossoneri coach. However, given Felix’s poor performances, Conceicao is forced to consider alternative solutions. In any case, Youssouf Fofana is expected to return to the starting lineup after beginning the last two matches on the bench. Without the Frenchman in midfield, Milan’s defense suffers significantly, as it lacks a proper shield in front of the backline. The numbers overwhelmingly favor Milan. The Rossoneri have not lost to Bologna at the Dall’Ara since 2002, recording 13 wins and five draws in that span. Furthermore, Bologna has not beaten Milan at all in the last nine years, with their last victory coming at San Siro in January 2016.##NAJAVA_MECA_8737079##
