Key Highlights
Samuel Mbangula produced a late burst to turn the game on its head as Bologna stunned Milan at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Milan led at the interval but were undone in the second half by a sequence that included an own goal and a decisive hat trick from Mbangula, leaving Bologna clear winners by four goals to two.
First Half
Milan began the match in a four two three one and imposed themselves on the ball, turning possession into probing chances without ever looking entirely assured defensively. Bologna, set up in a three four two one, struck first when Samuel Mbangula finished from Nadir Zortea in the eighth minute, a warning that their sparse forays could be dangerous. Milan responded as Alphadjo Cissè levelled with an unassisted finish in the fourteenth minute and then converted a Fikayo Tomori assist in the twenty seventh minute to put the home side ahead. The first half was characterised by Milan’s control of territory and passing but not by complete dominance of threat; they carried the greater expected goals and the clearer sequence of openings yet Bologna’s counter moments kept the scoreline close. At the interval Milan led by two goals to one.
Second Half
The second half saw sharper activity and an abrupt shift in complexion. Luka Modrić’s introduction at the break did not stem the momentum swing that followed Bologna’s double onslaught around the hour mark. A set piece went in off Davide Bartesaghi to level matters and, barely a minute later after Juan Miranda had come on, Samuel Mbangula turned the game again to give Bologna the lead. Bologna grew more threatening after that spell, reflected in the second-half expected goals advantage and in having more shots on target, while Milan’s clearest period late in the match produced no reward. Mbangula sealed the victory with a third goal in the eighty sixth minute, and Bologna left Milan with a four goals to two win.
Closing Thoughts
The result is a significant lift for Bologna, who have now won two league matches in a row and sit thirteenth in the table with eight points from eight matches; they return home to face Monza next. For Milan the defeat comes as a reminder that possession and passing control will count for little unless they convert pressure into defensive solidity; the side are listed fifth in the standings with eighteen points from eight matches and must regroup quickly ahead of a big home fixture against Inter on November first. Samuel Mbangula’s performance will be remembered as the decisive difference on a night when individual finishing overwhelmed territorial control.
