Pulisic, Gimenez Lead AC Milan to Comeback Win Over Bologna in Race for Europe

Milan Fight Back Again in High-Stakes Serie A Clash

AC Milan delivered one of their most important performances of the season on Friday night, coming from behind to beat Bologna 3-1 at the San Siro. The victory lifts Milan to eighth in Serie A with 60 points — just three behind fourth-placed Juventus and level with Lazio, who face Juve on Saturday in a pivotal top-four showdown.

Bologna remain seventh on 62 points, making the race for European qualification tighter than ever with just weeks left in the season.

The two sides will meet again on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico.

A Worrying Start, But Milan Respond in Style

The match began with an early scare for the hosts as defender Fikayo Tomori suffered a head injury and was forced off under medical supervision. Despite the disruption, Milan maintained control through much of the first half, with Christian Pulisic and Luka Jovic both threatening Bologna’s backline.

Still, the first 45 minutes ended without a goal — a product of Milan’s inefficiency and Bologna’s sharp counter-attacking play.

Early in the second half, the visitors struck first. In the 49th minute, Riccardo Orsolini cut inside from the right and fired a low drive beyond Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, silencing the San Siro.

But Milan’s resilience — a trait that’s earned them a league-high 22 points from losing positions — quickly came into play.

Pulisic and Gimenez Spark the Comeback

The equalizer arrived in the 73rd minute. Christian Pulisic, finding space in midfield, slipped a precise ball to Santiago Gimenez, who coolly slotted past the Bologna keeper.

Gimenez thought he had a second just minutes later, but the goal was disallowed. Milan didn’t lose focus, however, and continued to apply pressure.

Their reward came in the 79th minute. Joao Felix saw his effort blocked in the box, but the ball fell kindly to Pulisic, who calmly side-footed into the net to give Milan the lead.

Gimenez then sealed the victory in stoppage time, using quick footwork to create space before finishing confidently — his second goal of the night.

Conceição: “We’ll Prepare for the Final Tomorrow”

Speaking post-match, Milan head coach Sergio Conceição acknowledged both the positives and lessons from the night.

“There were positives and negatives tonight, and both teams will make changes,” Conceição told Sky Sport Italia. “But it’s a final — sometimes the team that plays better doesn’t win.”

What It Means

The win positions Milan firmly back in the hunt for European football next season. With Juventus just three points ahead in fourth and multiple teams separated by only a few points, the final stretch of the Serie A season will be decisive.

Friday’s performance also further established Christian Pulisic’s growing influence in Milan’s setup, while Santiago Gimenez continues to prove his value as a reliable finisher.

All eyes now turn to Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final — and Milan head into it with momentum and belief.