Milan vs Bologna: Catch Balotelli play on Valentine's Day

Topics: Live Stream, TV Schedules, Live Scores, Milan, Bologna, Serie A

AC Milan will play host to Bologna in a Serie A encounter on Friday, the 14th of February at the San Siro.

Preview: Seedorf looking for a quick response after first league defeat

The Dutch manager suffered his first league defeat last Saturday, when a rampant Napoli side subjected the Rossoneri to a 3-1 defeat. Adel Taarabt gave the visitors a lead at Naples only for Gokhan Inler to level the scores and Gonzalo Higuain sealed the victory for Rafa Benitez’s side with a brace in the second half.

But despite of managing just two victories in his last five games, Milan’s 38 year old tactician seemed to be in a buoyant mood and remained confident that his team would respond against Bologna when the two sides meet on Friday.

“I don't see my team demotivated,'' Seedorf said. “Of course we were disappointed with our performance against Napoli.”

“They were better than us and we have to accept it.”

“But the will is there from my players to step up and continue to improve. We have to improve mentally and physically.''

The former Real Madrid midfielder also granted support to his star forward Mario Balotelli who was reduced to tears after being substituted in the match against Napoli.

“Mario has talent and we hope he can shine in order to become the champion that we all expect him to be,'' Seedorf said.

“I am confident that sooner or later we will see him play at a high level.''

As a result of their loss to Napoli, Milan have now dropped in the bottom half but a victory on Friday can potentially take them to the ninth spot. And the Rossoneri will be confident of notching all three points owing to their incredible record against their counterparts. The Rossoblù have managed just four points against Milan from a possible 30 and have not defeated their counterparts since August 2008.

Last time the two sides met the match ended in a highly scintillating draw. Bologna took the lead and were destined for a victory only to be denied by late goals from Robinho and Ignazio Abate as the match ended 3-3.

The Rossoblu have been on a disappointing run, but their victory against Torino last time out, which was their first in 2014, will surely lift the spirits at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and the Felsinei will be hoping to add more misery in what has been a disappointing season for Milan. A win for Bologna would put Davide Ballardini’s side in a relatively comfortable position, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

The visiting side will be further buoyed by the return of midfielder Panagiotis Kone and striker Davide Moscardelli as both return from suspension. Meanwhile forward Jonathan Cristaldo has recovered from the knock he suffered over the weekend and is set to lead the line for Bologna.

Midfielder Diego Laxalt who scored twice when Bologna met Milan in the reverse fixture is poised to start against Milan, but Alessandro Diamanti who scored thrice against Milan in three league outings will not play part in the fixture after securing a move to Guangzhou Evergrande.

Kaka on the other hand remains a doubt for Milan but could feature during Friday’s game, Daniele Bonera on the other hand will be available for selection having served suspension. Mario Balotelli is also likely start and will be looking to make a response after a disappointing display against Napoli. Giampaolo Pazzini enjoys a fine record against the Rossoblù having scored five times in three outings against them and may be given a starting role tonight.