Key Takeaways:
- Bologna secured only their second win in 22 Serie A encounters with AC Milan by triumphing 4-2 at San Siro
- Samuel Mbangula hit a hat-trick on his first Serie A start.
- AC Milan failed to register a single shot in the second half and suffered their first league defeat of the season
Match Analysis
Bologna dealt AC Milan their inaugural Serie A loss of the campaign, overcoming the hosts 4-2 in a dramatic contest at San Siro. The Rossoblù had previously managed just a single win in their previous 21 top-flight head-to-head clashes, but arrived determined and made a swift impact.
From the outset, Bologna threatened to dismantle Milan’s robust home record. Within the opening five minutes, Nadir Zortea fired a dangerous cross which narrowly evaded the outstretched boot of Jens Odgaard, before Samuel Mbangula sent the resulting loose ball wide.
𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐈 ❤️💙
La tripletta di Mbangula ci regala i tre punti a Milano!
#MilanBologna | 2-4 |
#WeAreOne https://t.co/6q5LKuqzdH— Bologna FC 1909 (@Bolognafc1909) October 28, 2026
The visitors’ persistence was soon rewarded. Making his maiden Serie A start, Mbangula latched onto Zortea’s cutback, finishing smartly to put Bologna in front. However, their advantage soon evaporated due to a costly defensive lapse. Arthur Theate, dispossessed by Omari Hutchinson, saw his clearance blocked, allowing Alphadjo Cisse to capitalise and swiftly equalise for Milan.
Player Performance and Key Moments
Buoyed by their leveller, Milan seized momentum and took the lead in the 27th minute. Fikayo Tomori reacted rapidly to a loose ball in the box and set up Cisse, who secured his second of the evening, swinging the pendulum firmly towards the hosts.
Bologna emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Jens Odgaard almost restored parity, but narrowly cleared Federico Bernadeschi’s cross with a stretching effort. Their determination paid off when Juan Miranda’s testing delivery confused the Milan defence and resulted in Davide Bartesaghi inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
With Milan faltering, Bologna pressed their advantage. Miranda again drove into the area before rolling the ball to Mbangula, who scored his second and restored Bologna’s lead.
A troubling statistic for Milan was their complete lack of attempts on goal throughout the second half as the clock ticked towards the 80th minute, forcing them to seek late inspiration. The hosts’ hopes faded when Francesco Camarda headed wide from six yards, missing a vital chance to equalise.
Bologna ultimately sealed the result on the counter-attack, with Mbangula completing his hat-trick, and Raffaele Palladino becoming only the third Bologna manager to claim victory in each of his first three Serie A away matches with the club.
Match Statistics
| Team | Score | Goal scorers |
|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 2 | Alphadjo Cisse (2) |
| Bologna | 4 | Samuel Mbangula (3), Davide Bartesaghi (own goal) |
