Prediction: Bologna vs Inter Milan
Verdict: Inter Milan win
Best odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: BetUS
Competing for a spot in the Supercoppa Italiana final, last season’s Serie A runners-up Inter Milan will face off against Coppa Italia holders Bologna in Riyadh on Friday night.
The winner will move on to Monday’s final against either Napoli or AC Milan, with Bologna making their inaugural appearance in this event.
Bologna
Following a heavy 6-1 defeat in late 2022, Bologna have become a much tougher contender for Inter, having lost only once in their last five encounters. Their latest match ended in a thrilling 1-0 win at Stadio Dall’Ara in April, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Riccardo Orsolini. Now, the Rossoblù seek to achieve back-to-back victories over the Nerazzurri for the first time this century.
Having secured their Supercoppa debut by overcoming Milan in last season’s Coppa Italia final—an achievement that ended a 51-year drought for major silverware—Bologna regard this match as a valuable opportunity. Under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, they have excelled on multiple fronts, positioned sixth in Serie A, advancing in Europe, and beginning their cup defense with a win against Parma earlier this month.
However, a 1-0 loss to Juventus last weekend, alongside Torbjorn Heggem’s red card, underscored persistent defensive problems. Bologna has failed to maintain a clean sheet for six consecutive matches, and facing Inter’s high-scoring attack twice in two weeks—this clash followed by a league encounter in January—will pose a significant challenge.
Team News
Santiago Castro is anticipated to spearhead the attack after Thijs Dallinga missed his chance against Juventus, with Orsolini—who has been involved in five goals across his last six matches against Inter—providing assistance.
Remo Freuler and goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski remain unavailable, while Martin Vitik and Nicolo Casale are injured, and Jhon Lucumi is still grappling with a tendon issue. Heggem’s suspension is applicable only to Serie A.
Inter Milan
Inter narrowly missed out on a fourth consecutive Supercoppa last season, losing to Milan in a dramatic 3-2 defeat that was decided in the depth of stoppage time. That loss foreshadowed further disappointments in the Scudetto race and the Champions League final, but under Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri have regained their confidence.
With 11 wins from 15 league matches, Inter sit atop Serie A, holding a one-point lead over Milan and a two-point advantage over Napoli. Despite facing a controversial Champions League defeat to Liverpool, they remain in the hunt for the round of 16 and have secured three straight league victories while advancing to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. Their attacking unit is in top form, netting four goals against Como and two each against Pisa and Genoa, with a dozen different players finding the back of the net this season.
Lautaro Martinez, the Supercoppa’s all-time leading scorer, has netted four goals in his last three games and appears ready to deliver once again.
Team News
Hakan Calhanoglu has returned from an adductor injury, and Matteo Darmian is fit after a lengthy absence, although Francesco Acerbi remains sidelined due to a thigh issue, and Denzel Dumfries is undergoing a lengthy recovery following ankle surgery.
Martinez is set to lead the attack, with Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Ange-Yoan Bonny competing for the opportunity to partner him.
Head-to-Head
Inter and Bologna have a rich rivalry, with the Nerazzurri historically in control. Inter has emerged victorious in 87 of the 152 encounters between the teams, while Bologna has secured 43 wins, and there have been 22 draws.
Recently, Bologna has narrowed the gap: they have defeated Inter twice in their last five meetings, including the 1-0 victory in April. Nonetheless, Inter won 2-0 in their most recent Supercoppa matchup back in 2004, and they have scored in every one of their last 10 games against the Rossoblù.
Conclusion
Bologna’s tactical awareness and offensive prowess offer them a fighting chance, but Inter’s depth and attacking strength—anchored by a red-hot Martinez—could prove to be the deciding factor at Al-Awwal Park.
Anticipate an engaging matchup, but the Nerazzurri are favored to prevail and keep their eyes firmly on the prize.
Verdict: Inter Milan win
Best odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: BetUS
Published: 2025-12-18 13:51:00
source: www.soccernews.com
