AC Milan will kickstart their 2016 with a game against Bologna at the Stadio San Siro at 15:00 CET on Three Kings’ Day.
Both teams were involved in very entertaining games on the final match day of 2015 as Milan saw off new boys Frosinone 4-2 at the Stadio Matusa, whilst Bologna were downed 3-2 by Empoli at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
The fixture will see Roberto Donadoni take on the club of which he was a vital part in the late 1980s and early 90s. Donadoni’s record against Milan is patchy, however. In 12 encounters he has mustered three wins, two draws and seven defeats in stints Livorno, Napoli, Cagliari and Parma and this will be the first time that he visits San Siro as Bologna coach.
The 52-year-old, however has done a fantastic coach in revitalising a struggling Bologna team and has comfortably guided them five points off the relegation zone in 15th place. In fact since Donadoni has taken over, the Rossoblu have amassed almost as many points on the road (six) as they have at home (seven).
Milan on the other hand are on a five game unbeaten streak in all competitions but there is still a sense that coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is under pressure should the team not pick up a win on Wednesday.
The Rossoneri have picked up 17 points of their 28 at home, although recent draws against Hellas Verona and Atalanta have somewhat restrained their chances of getting into the Champions League. The team sit in sixth place at the moment, one point above Sassuolo having played a game more.
The omens are not good for the visitors, who have just five victories over the Diavolo in Serie A, losing 18 while drawing seven, not winning in Milan since 2008.
With the January transfer window having opened on January 4, it is unlikely that either side will play any new signings, although free agent Kevin-Prince Boateng might make an appearance off the bench for Milan having signed before the start of the window.
In terms of injuries, Milan are still without Diego Lopez, Jeremy Menez, Mario Balotelli and Alessia Romagnoli who is suspended, whilst Bologna will be without Luca Rizzo and Franco Brienza amongst others.
Form Guide: Milan (W-D-D-W-L) Bologna (L-W-W-D-L)
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Donnarumma; Abate, Mexes, Alex, De Sciglio; Honda, Montolivo, Bertolacci, Bonaventura; Niang, Bacca.
Bologna: Mirante; Rosettini, Oikonomou, Gastaldello, Masina; Taider, Diawara, Donsah; Mounier, Destro, Giaccherini.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com