Milan-Bologna Preview: Uncompromising

As Milan prepare to play their third game in seven days, we look to host former Milan coach Mihajlovic and his Bologna, who are in tenth place on the table, 10 points behind us. The same man who fought to bring Romagnoli to Milan and gave Gigio Donnarumma his start at age 16 has beaten leukemia and bone marrow transplants this past year, while still making Bologna competitive in the league. Like Milan’s play this second half of the season, he is uncompromising.

Forever grateful to Mihajlovic, uncompromisingly loyal to Milan

Mihajlovic is one of the most unlikely of Milan heroes. Having played for both Lazio and Inter, and known for incidents both verbal and physical both on and off the pitch, he should be a hated enemy. But while coaching at Milan, he became like a father to the players, taking the whole team out to dinner on his own dime and instilling belief in players young and old. His legendary status was sealed in worldwide tears when Berlusconi ridiculously sacked him for personal reasons with only six games left, despite a great performance against Juventus.

Unwilling to compromise in life or football

Now Mihajlovic is back to being the enemy, only knowing his intensely human side, it is difficult to see him that way. Both Bologna and Milan played to draws against Napoli this week, with Bologna scoring late midweek in their 1-1 draw to steal a point. For that match, Mihajlovic lined up Skorupski; Mbaye, Danilo, Tomiyasu, Krejci; Medel, Dominguez; Skov Olsen, Soriano, Barrow; and Palacio. It looks as though they will be missing Bani and Schouten.

Pioli will have Saelemaekers back from suspension, which should help ease some of the tired legs from this marathon of matches. Musacchio is still obviously out for the season, and Castillejo is unlikely to return yet from his injury. Paqueta is being evaluated today to see if he will be available for tomorrow’s match at the San Siro.

Uncompromising to the end

These final five matches will literally go to the fittest. With high temperatures and a schedule that is exhausting to even read about, let alone play with such intensity, the players' mentality and physical preparation will make or break each opportunity for three points. So even if we face a beloved opponent like Mihajlovic, who means so much to at least two of our fierce young players, Milan must be uncompromising.

This post inspired by the music of Muse’s Stockholm Syndrome

Serie A Week 34

Milan vs. Bologna

Saturday, July 18 • 21:45 CEST (3:45pm EDT)

This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.