It is time for the next round between AC Milan and Bologna, this time there is both a trophy and a European qualifier at stake as the two teams battle it out in the Coppa Italia final in Rome. Last week’s meeting ended with a fantastic comeback by AC Milan, overturning 0-1 to a 3-1 win in the last half. Man of the match was definitely the Mexican striker Gimenez, netting twice and definitely changing the outcome of the game.
Even though AC Milan have displayed a very strong form-curve in the latest month and gone from a problem child to a team with hope of greatness starting to return to fans and owners. Still that might not be enough for Conceicao to keep his head coach job. Rumours are still whispered about the club looking to replace him ahead of next season. It is not easy to be a coach in Italy you have to admit that... But bringing the Coppa Italia back to Milan could very well change that narrative. After all, the team haven’t just started performing in Serie A, they have also already claimed one title, the Supercoppa where Milan thrashed archenemy Inter in an impressive match. Should they now also claim the Coppa Italia, AC Milan will finish the season with two trophies collected, something that hasn’t happened since 2008.
Of course, Milan is not the only team with hopes of and pressure on them to claim the Coppa. Bologna have only two Coppa Italia titles in their history, the latest one from 1974. With good performance comes higher pressure and people around the team will really want to see some tangible results from all the good job done throughout the season.
That said, I think that Conceicao is even more desperate to win tonight than his counterpart in Bologna. If he can secure another season to collect and continue to develop the positive momentum from the latest months, he will do anything that takes to do it. And he has proven his ability to get them to follow in his direction. And of course, the players will not only be hungry for the title but also the European qualifier that comes with it.
In regard to line-ups and available squads, both sides have quite a strong selection to choose from. For AC Milan only Bondo and Sottil are on the injury list, besides them Conceicao can form the starting eleven that he belies will do the job best. I am very curious if he can sideline Gimenez after his performance in the last game. Early reports say he will. Maybe he sees that as a weapon to use if Milan again faces a situation where they have to change the game scene? Bologna on their end have what is reported no unavailable players. Swedish Emil Holm is set to return and is expected to be in the starting eleven and that will to some extent provide another type of play than last week. This time as well as in the last game, this will be a test of will. Abilities are there on both sides, so is capability. I think that AC Milan will be able to use the positive energy and momentum acquired in the latest rounds to win again.
Conclusion: I need to turn my own form with two blanks in the last predictions, making it three out of the last ten. Time to change that. I will keep it simple and rely on gut feeling and the positive flow that AC Milan currently find themselves in. And I think they will secure the title already within 90 minutes. So, let’s keep this simple, AC Milan to win.
