Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan beat Bologna 1-0 at San Siro this evening, a goal from experienced midfielder Luka Modric proving to be the difference between the two sides.
The match had a controversial finish, however, when the Rossoneri felt they should have had a late penalty for a foul on Christopher Nkunku.
Nkunku had not been on the pitch long when he was the subject of a couple of interesting challenges from Jhon Lucumi and Remo Freuler.
After receiving a lovely long pass from down the field, Nkunku was through on goal when Lucumi came charging in and knocked the Frenchman off his balance.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
A scramble ensued and the former Chelsea man went down again under a challenge from Freuler. Whilst the Freuler incident was a bit too soft to be considered a penalty, the Lucumi one was another matter entirely.
However, only the second challenge was shown on the video review as VAR took a look at the incidents. The referees on-field decision to award a penalty was revoked.
Milan defender Gabbia: ‘It should have been a penalty’
Speaking to DAZN after the game, with quotes via MilanNews.it, Milan defender Matteo Gabbia argued “According to us, as a team, it’s a penalty.”
The centre-back continued, “Then the decisions are made by other people; the referees saw something else.”
“Fortunately, today the teamwork allowed us to win the match anyway. It is useless to dwell on the incident. I feel sorry for Chris because he would have taken it, I wanted him to get off the mark in his first match at San Siro.”
Gabbia then described summer signing Nkunku as an “incredibly strong player,” he continued, “The career he’s had shows that he has personality to spare. We are happy to have him.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Mike Maignan of AC Milan leaves the pitch after suffering an injury during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The defender also commented on the injury suffered by Mike Maignan that forced the Frenchman to come off in the second half:
“He was very disappointed about having to leave the field today,” Gabbia said, “he wanted to help the team win the match. He will have tests during the week and we’ll see the extent.”
“I feel very sorry for Mike, I know the professional he is and he really gives everything. He helps us. But I want to congratulate Terracciano; he came in very well. He showed great experience and was a huge help.”
Finally, Gabbia ended with some comments on the team’s performance in general.
“Today, and also in Lecce, we gave positive answers primarily to ourselves,” he said, “We really worked as a team. I want to compliment Santi, Loftus and Pulisic. Up front, they helped us with ferocious pressing that made life easier for us at the back. It’s really a team effort. The coach emphasises this and keeps hammering it home every day. We want to improve and keep pushing further.”
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