Key Takeaways:
- Luka Modrić scored his inaugural goal for Milan just days after his 40th birthday, sealing a 1-0 win over Bologna
- Milan hit the woodwork four times
- Christopher Nkunku made his Milan debut near the end and was involved in a dramatic VAR-overturned penalty incident
Match Analysis
Luka Modrić underlined his enduring quality by netting his first goal for Milan a few days after turning 40, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bologna at San Siro. The Croatian veteran struck decisively in a rematch of last season’s Coppa Italia final, delivering all three points for the Rossoneri.
Milan’s new recruit Adrien Rabiot featured from kick-off, producing a highly active and assured display on his full debut. Massimiliano Allegri’s side grew in strength during the second half, but fortune was not always on their side as the hosts struck the woodwork on four separate occasions. Late in the match, Christopher Nkunku was introduced for his first Milan appearance, capping a night of notable debuts.
Luka Modrić's goal gives Milan all three points! 👏#MilanBologna pic.twitter.com/6YjCcYoYQo
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) September 14, 2025
First-Half Events
The home side began with intent, with both Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić heavily involved from the outset. In the 11th minute, Modrić seized possession in midfield, feeding Jiménez, whose effort forced a save from the Bologna goalkeeper. Bologna threatened shortly afterwards, only for Cambiaghi’s goal to be chalked off for offside.
As the half progressed, Bologna grew in confidence, testing Milan’s composure at the back but failing to capitalise. The visitors began enjoying prolonged spells of possession, while Milan looked to strike on the counter. Estupiñán came closest for Bologna in the 24th minute with a shot that rattled the post.
After a period devoid of clear-cut opportunities, Italiano’s men maintained the better possession figures. However, it was Milan who nearly broke the deadlock when a late corner led to Loftus-Cheek and Jiménez sending the ball narrowly wide. The interval saw Allegri make a change as Pavlović departed for Koni De Winter.
Second-Half Drama
Following the restart, Milan enjoyed slightly greater control but continued to find chances limited. A setback arose when goalkeeper Mike Maignan was forced off due to injury, requiring 35-year-old Pietro Terracciano to take his place.
The match’s decisive moment arrived on 61 minutes. Luka Modrić initiated and finished a flowing move, exchanging passes with Saelemaekers before calmly finding the net for his landmark first goal in Milan colours.
The hosts continued to threaten. Substitute Samuele Ricci unleashed a stunning strike in the 68th minute, only for the ball to rebound off the post. Ricci tried again moments later, forcing another intervention after Skorupski failed to fully clear his lines. Jonathan Rowe, who had previously clashed with Rabiot in Marseille, made an entrance during this period.
Milan’s frustration with the woodwork continued in the 83rd minute when Jiménez, put through by Pulisic, rounded the keeper but only managed to strike the upright from a challenging angle.
Late Controversy and Allegri’s Dismissal
Christopher Nkunku was introduced in the closing moments and quickly became embroiled in high drama. Fouled in the penalty area seconds later, he was awarded a penalty upon getting back to his feet after a second tumble. Following a prolonged delay and VAR review, the referee decided to overturn the penalty decision, prompting heated protests from Allegri, who was sent off.
| Fixture | Result | Goalscorer | Minute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan – Bologna | 1:0 | Modrić | 61′ |
