Milan dropped potentially crucial points in their bid to win Serie A after they were frustrated by Bologna in a 0-0 draw at San Siro.
The Rossoneri went into the international break holding a three-point lead on the back of three straight 1-0 wins, but they could not keep up that winning run on Monday.
Indeed, Bologna – whose coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was not present on the touchline for his leukaemia treatment.
They restricted Stefano Pioli’s team to little in clear chances in their boss’ 100th league match in charge.
With Napoli and Inter having won on Sunday, Milan’s advantage has been cut to just one point with seven games remaining.
Though Portugal’s forward could not keep his shot down, Rafael Leao had the first opportunity 16 minutes in.
Michel Aebischer drilled straight at Mike Maignan following Marko Arnautovic’s clever dummy before Milan’s goalkeeper tipped Musa Barrow’s strike over after Gary Medel had made a good block at the other end.
After the restart, Bologna continued to frustrate their hosts, with Leao particularly wasteful.
Leao provided a sublime pass for Davide Calabria in the 61st minute, but Medel just managed to divert the full-back’s shot wide – a touch the referee failed to notice.
Ante Rebic blazed over as Milan kept up the pressure, with Leao curling wide from inside the area.
What does it mean? No milestone celebration for Pioli as pressure mounts.
Pioli did not look long for the Milan job early in his tenure.
But his work to turn the Rossoneri into genuine title contenders has been quite superb.
Yet, his milestone 100th Serie A game in charge did not result in a victory but a draw.
Inter battled their way to a 1-0 win over Juventus and are just four points back.
While Napoli, who, like Milan, has played 31 times, is only a point behind the leaders.
Bologna, meanwhile, did their coach Mihajlovic proudly.
Medel leads brilliant Bologna rear-guard.
Medel spent time at San Siro with Inter, and the experienced, dogged defender was excellent at the heart of Bologna’s defence, doing his old side a considerable favour.
He made a joint team-high two blocks, including a fantastic one from Diaz in the first half.
And He gained possession seven times and kept things simple on the ball.
He completed 33 of 36 passes before going off with a head injury following a collision with Ibrahimovic.
What’s next?
Milan travels to Torino on Sunday, while Bologna host Sampdoria.
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