‌The showdown between the Red and Black Legion and the Red and Blue Legion: Tactical Game and Changes in Serie A

When AC Milan and Bologna met in the spotlight of the San Siro Stadium, this seemingly ordinary Serie A was given multiple meanings. On one hand, the century-old AC Milan carries the mission of revival, and on the other hand, Bologna, which has emerged this season, is eager to break the traditional pattern - this contest is not only a collision of technology and strength, but also a microcosm of the battle between new and old Italian football forces.

Bologna's Renaissance

This season, Bologna, under the guidance of Thiago Mota, has shown a refreshing football philosophy. This traditional mid-range team ranked among the top three in Serie A with a ball possession rate of 59.3%, completely subverting the stereotype of "defense counterattack". Swiss midfielder Remer Floyle averages 12.3 kilometers of running distance per game (first Serie A midfielder) and Dutch star Joshua Zilkerze's creative pass (key pass success rate is 82%), building a very layered offensive network. What is more noteworthy is that the team's defensive data of conceding only 21 goals in 24 leagues shows Mota's success in building an offensive and defensive balance system.

AC Milan's innovation pain

Pioli's team is undergoing a period of tactical transformation. As Tonali leaves the team and marginalizes Klonic, Milan's midfield control has dropped significantly (the number of midfield regains this season has dropped by 18% year-on-year), forcing the team to rely more on the explosive points of the two wings. The left corridor composed of Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leo contributed 43% of the team's offensive launch, while Pulisic's sudden cut in the right created 11 absolute scoring opportunities. Although this "two wings fly together + Giroud fulcrum" tactic is simple and efficient, it also allows the opponent to gradually find a way to deal with it - Milan has only lost one clean sheet in the last five league games. The deadly game at the tactical level

The progress of the game confirms the fierce confrontation predicted before the game. Bologna launched a 4-2-3-1 formation at the beginning, blocking the Milan midfield infiltration line through the double midfield configuration of Ferguson and Eberchell. This targeted deployment made Leo's attempts to break through only 2 times in the first 30 minutes, forcing Milan to frequently use 45-degree oblique passes to find Giroud's overhead advantage. The turning point occurred in the 38th minute. Zilkize suddenly retreated to the midfield to get in, and used a 20-meter pass to penetrate the gap between Calabria and Tomori, assisting Osorini to push and score - this goal perfectly demonstrated the multidimensionality of Bologna's offensive system.

After the change of sides, Pioli decisively replaced Adrie to enhance the midfield technical elements, and this adjustment quickly broke the deadlock. In the 63rd minute, the French midfielder and Pulisic completed two consecutive passes and sent a precise cross, and Giroud beat Lukumi to equalize the score. At this time, the offense and defense rhythm of the game has been improved to a white-hot stage. Goalkeepers from both sides, Menion and Skrupsky have successively contributed world-class saves. Teo's goal line clearance and Karafiori's tactical foul were yellow, pushing the tension to the top.

Details of the decision on the victory and loss

When the game entered the last ten minutes, the arrival of the physical bottleneck period exposed the gap in lineup depth. Bologna's substitute Salmarkles (facing the old owner) and Odegao failed to continue the offensive intensity, while Okafor's impact on Milan began to show their power. In the 87th minute, it was the Swiss forward who received Leo's backward triangle pass and calmly pushed the shot near the penalty spot to complete the final shot. It is interesting to note that this winning goal comes from the gap left by Bologna's left back Christianson's missed position - the necessary price paid by the young team for growth. Behind the strategic significance of surpassing the score

2-1 results, there is a deep signal of the change in Serie A pattern. While AC Milan struggled to hold the Champions League seat, it exposed the stubborn disease of lack of creativity in the midfield; Bologna's performance, which was still honorable despite defeat, proves that its dark horse quality is by no means accidental. When Mota's team ranked fifth in the standings with 49 points (the highest score in the same period in team history), they are rewriting the historical script of the "Seven Sisters" in Serie A, which has never had a non-traditional giants entering the Champions League. For the Ross and Blacks, how to balance Champions League ambitions and league stability will become the key to determining the success or failure of the season