AC Milan blank Bologna 3-0 to lock up Europa League qualifying spot
AC Milan picked up a 3-0 win over Bologna at the San Siro on Sunday, securing a place in the Europa League qualifiers this summer.
Goals from Gerard Deulofeu, Keisuke Honda and Gianluca Lapadula sparked scenes of celebrations at the full-time whistle as the Rossoneri return to European competition for the first time since 2014.
There was a sense of urgency from Milan that had been lacking at times in recent weeks, as they were evidently motivated to secure Europa League football. The team took their chances in the second half and made it comfortable with a bit of tactical flexibility, producing positive results.
Negatives
For all of their good play in the opening 45 minutes, the hosts were far too wasteful. Against a better side they could have possibly been punished, and they will need to improve significantly in that department.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Vincenzo Montella's decision to switch to a 3-5-2 and be more flexible has paid dividends over the past two games, while introducing Matias Fernandez and Honda on Sunday proved to be two decisive changes.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 -- Enjoyed a quiet afternoon, but remained alert to any threat and was always in the right position to deal with the minimal issues Bologna posed.
DF Gustavo Gomez, 7 -- Produced a really impressive display, as he was solid defensively and was never afraid to push forward with the ball. Delighted the home crowd with a highlight moment -- an inventive back-heel too -- in an all-round solid effort.
DF Gabriel Paletta, 7 -- Marshalled the back line well to register a clean sheet, as they dealt with Mattia Destro with minimal fuss. Made some timely interceptions and played an important role in nullifying Bologna's threat.
DF Alessio Romagnoli, 7 -- Put in a classy performance, as he did all the positive defensive things while also contributing with excellent distribution. His ability to play out from the back is crucial for Milan.
MF Gerard Deulofeu, 7 -- Did not have the greatest of performances in the first half, but improved significantly after the break with a little tinkering from Montella. Started and finished a brilliant goal to break the deadlock and show his class.
MF Mario Pasalic, 6 -- It was an energetic and tireless performance from the loanee, as he continues to play an important role for Montella. Was wasteful in front of goal on occasion, but put in a solid shift to help the team seal the win.
MF Riccardo Montolivo, 6 -- Is still working on his match fitness, but the captain was a reassuring presence in the midfield. Did well from a defensive point of view to offer protection, while he was careful and precise in possession, as he would have silenced a few critics with this performance.
MF Andrea Bertolacci, 5 -- It may not have been his last game for Milan, but he'll certainly find it difficult getting into the team next season if midfield reinforcements arrive. Started well, but was just not sharp or decisive enough.
MF Leonel Vangioni, 7 -- The formation switch seems to have suited him, as he carried out his defensive duties well and was never afraid to push forward and offer an attacking outlet on the left flank.
FW Carlos Bacca, 5 -- Was this his last appearance at the San Siro? Greeted by boos when substituted, he worked hard at times in his defence, but it wasn't enough as he drew a blank again.
FW Gianluca Lapadula, 6 -- Produced a horror miss in the first half, which could have really shattered his confidence entirely as he simply must be more clinical. To his credit, though, he continued to battle hard and got his reward with the third goal to wrap things up.
Substitutes
MF Matias Fernandez, 7 -- Produced two assists, as his introduction proved crucial to breaking Bologna down. Arguably still not a starter, but certainly offered more dynamism and quality than Bertolacci.
MF Keisuke Honda, 7 -- Along with Fernandez, swung the game massively in Milan's favour. This might have been his last San Siro outing as a Milan player and if so he signed off with a wonderful free kick to double the lead.
FW Patrick Cutrone, N/A -- Was on long enough to pick up a booking, but it was great to see another Milan youth product make his senior debut and he'll hope to build on that with an appearance next weekend.
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