Milan vs Bologna: Palladino’s Revival, Injury Woes and Predicted XI Revealed

FolioPitch.com – 28 October 2026 | AC Milan welcome Bologna to San Siro on Wednesday night, hoping to build on their 2-0 weekend win at Udinese and banish the memory of last week’s Europa League defeat to Bournemouth. For the visitors, it is a chance to continue their own resurgence under new coach Raffaele Palladino. This Opposition insight for Milan-Bologna Form injuries predicted XI and more examines the key details surrounding the Rossoblù ahead of the midweek Serie A clash.

Bologna’s season has been one of upheaval. After finishing eighth in 2025-26, the club saw Vincenzo Italiano depart for Besiktas, replaced by Domenico Tedesco. Tedesco lasted just four games, sacked after three 1-0 defeats to Lazio, Atalanta and Bologna. Palladino arrived and has steadied the ship, with a draw against Torino followed by wins over Lecce and Cagliari, either side of a narrow loss to Inter in which Bologna impressed in the first half. Their recent form across all competitions reads L-D-W-L-W, with the most recent result being a dominant victory over Cagliari.

That win has left Palladino with few selection dilemmas. A clean sheet means the back three of Skorupski, Darmian, Casale and Theate remains intact, flanked by Zortea and former Milan target Juan Miranda. The midfield pivot sees Tommaso Pobega returning to San Siro alongside Lewis Ferguson, while in attack, Mbangula is expected to replace Cambiaghi, joining Bernardeschi and Odgaard in the front three.

However, Bologna are without key men. Riccardo Orsolini, Roberto Piccoli and Emil Holm are all ruled out, while Jay Enem will be assessed closer to kick-off. This Opposition insight for Milan-Bologna Form injuries predicted XI and more highlights how these absences could shape Palladino’s approach.

Bologna’s summer transfer business was extensive. They spent €10m on Mikel Amondarain, made Tommaso Pobega’s loan permanent for €7m, and signed Jay Enem for €6m. Rahim Alhassane arrived for €3.5m, while Samuel Mbangula, Arthur Theate and Artem Dovbyk joined on loan. Matteo Darmian arrived on a free. Departures included Santiago Castro to Roma for €30m, Jhon Lucumi to Juventus for €20m, Giovanni Fabbian to Fiorentina for €13m, and Jonathan Rowe to Atalanta on a loan that will net €40m next summer.

For Milan, the focus will be on maintaining momentum after a difficult October. The win at Udine halted fears of a collapse, and Stefano Pioli’s men will be eager to make it six points from six. They will need to be wary of Bologna’s attacking threats, particularly Bernardeschi and Odgaard, who have combined for goals and assists this season. This Opposition insight for Milan-Bologna Form injuries predicted XI and more suggests that Milan’s defence must stay alert to Bologna’s counter-attacks.

Predicted Bologna XI (3-4-3): Skorupski; Darmian, Casale, Theate; Zortea, Pobega, Ferguson, Miranda; Bernardeschi, Odgaard, Mbangula. Bench: Pessina, Vitik, Happonen, Helland, De Silvestri, Heggem, Alhassane, Amondarain, Moro, El Azzouzi, Libra, Enem, Cambiaghi, Dovbyk.

As the teams prepare for Wednesday’s encounter, this Opposition insight for Milan-Bologna Form injuries predicted XI and more underlines the challenges both sides face. Milan will look to assert dominance at home, while Bologna aim to extend their unbeaten run under Palladino. With injuries impacting both squads, tactical flexibility will be crucial.

In conclusion, the match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Milan’s recent form gives them confidence, but Bologna’s revival under Palladino makes them dangerous opponents. The absence of key players for Bologna could tip the scales in Milan’s favour, but football is unpredictable. This Opposition insight for Milan-Bologna Form injuries predicted XI and more provides all the necessary context for what should be an intriguing Serie A fixture.