The Rossoneri will be hoping to inch closer towards the European zone when they entertain a rejuvenated Bologna at the San Siro.

AC Milan have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, but athough they continue to struggle in various sectors of the field, they will rate their chances of overcoming Bologna on Sunday.

Milan, who currently lie in seventh-place of the Serie A standings with 31 points, six places and fourteen points behind league leaders Juventus, are more than aware of the fact that if they don't begin to win their home games they will miss out on Europe next season.

The Rossoneri are unbeaten against Bologna in their last eight games, which includes a 3-1 victory in the last clash between the sides earlier in the season.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri understands the importance of a win on Sunday, but will have to make do without veterans Mario Yepes and Massimo Ambrosini, who are both out injured. Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong continues to be sidelined.

According to reports Allegri could replace the ineffective Bojan with lively attacker M'Baye Niang, while Daniele Bonera is expected to start instead of Philippe Mexes.

Striker Giampaolo Pazzini is back after serving a suspension, and will partner Stephan El Shaarawy in Milan's intimidating attack. The strike-duo have netted a combined 22 goals this season.

Meanwhile, Stefano Pioli is unlikely to make any changes to the side that crushed Chievo 4-0 last weekend and will also stick with the successful 4-2-3-1 tactical formation that worked wonders for the side.

However, his bench options will be rather limited, as Henry Gimenez, Robert Acquafresca, Cesare Natali, Saphir Sliti Taider and Stefano Pioli are all unavailable.

Milan's last four matches

Jan 13, 2013: Sampdoria 0-0 Milan (Serie A)

Jan 9, 2013: Juventus 2-1 Milan (Coppa Italia)

Jan 6, 2013: Milan 2-1 Siena (Serie A)

Dec 22, 2012: Roma 4-2 Milan (Serie A)

Bologna's last four matches

Jan 15, 2013: Inter 3-2 Bologna (Coppa Italia)

Jan 12, 2013: Bologna 4-0 Chievo (Serie A)

Jan 6, 2013:: Genoa 2-0 Bologna (Serie A)

Dec 22, 2012: Bologna 1-2 Parma (Serie A)

Facts

- Milan currently hold an impressive eight-game unbeaten run against Bologna, dating back to August of 2008.

- The last time Bologna beat Milan at the San Siro was back in 2008, with Marco Di Vaio and Francesco Valiani scoring their goals for a 2-1 win.

Prediction

Milan 2-1 Bologna