Bologna’s first match on Easter Sunday since 1978 couldn’t be extra complicated as they meet Serie A pacesetters Inter in a ‘must-win’ fixture at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Victory has develop into crucial for the Rossoblu after a 2-0 loss at Atalanta final weekend diminished their top-four possibilities.
Conceding two unanswered objectives within the opening 21 minutes set Bologna on the highway of no return in Bergamo. Consequently, they completed the spherical exterior the highest 4, albeit inside a two-point distance from fourth-placed Juventus, regardless of going winless in back-to-back league outings.
Although head coach Vincenzo Italiano should juggle two competitions, Bologna’s cruising three-goal cushion in opposition to Empoli heading into the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie ought to set them up for fulfillment. Due to this fact, they need to tackle Inter at full bore.
Inter’s treble dream gained legs in midweek Champions League motion as a breathless 2-2 home draw against Bayern Munich fired them into the semi-finals. A 4-3 mixture win in opposition to the runaway Bundesliga leaders helped the Nerazzurri e book a mouth-watering last-four date in opposition to Barcelona.
Turning into the primary reigning Serie A champion to defend the title in 5 years is the second important a part of this intricate equation. Nevertheless, Simone Inzaghi’s males are on track to just do that, despite the fact that a three-point lead over second-placed Napoli means a twenty first Scudetto is way from a foregone conclusion.
With six video games left, Inter should deal with each remaining fixture as non-negotiable.
Match Preview
Bologna
Decided to halt a two-game winless league run (D1, L1) and keep away from the ignominy of shedding back-to-back Serie A matches for the primary time since January 2023, Bologna can draw coronary heart from their spectacular latest type in opposition to Inter. Regardless of Inter’s unequalled home dominance, the Rossoblu held them winless in January’s reverse fixture, claiming a 2-2 draw on the San Siro.
That outcome types a part of Bologna’s inspiring run of only one defeat from their final 5 matches in opposition to the defending Serie A champions in all competitions (W2, D2). Moreover, Bologna had overwhelmed the Nerazzurri in consecutive residence conferences on this competitors earlier than a slim 1-0 loss on this corresponding fixture final time period.
It’s not past Italiano’s facet to tug off one other upset, particularly contemplating their scintillating type at Renato Dall’Ara this season. Aside from a surprising 3-2 defeat to bottom-half Hellas Verona in December, Bologna have gone unbeaten in all 15 remaining residence league matches this season (W9, D6), together with a 1-1 draw in opposition to Napoli final outing.
Inter
Bologna could also be no strangers to taking large scalps, however they could possibly be out of their depth right here. Confidence is at an all-time excessive round Inzaghi’s camp as they proceed to rain down terror in each competitors. Lautaro Martinez led by instance in opposition to Bayern to develop into the membership’s best-ever international scorer with 150 objectives.
El Toro’s return to type couldn’t have come at a greater second for Inter amid Inzaghi’s bid to enter Giuseppe Meazza folklore. The 49-year-old should discover a treatment for Inter’s journey illness heading into an intense run-in, with the Nerazzurri rising victorious from simply one in all their final six Serie A video games away from residence (D3, L2).
Regardless of their latest struggles on this fixture, historical past firmly backs Inter for fulfillment. Certainly, solely Juventus (79) have recorded extra Serie A wins over Bologna than the division’s second-most profitable membership, with the Nerazzurri boasting 75 victories on this match-up (D37, L43).
Crew Information
Bologna can’t depend on first-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski. Furthermore, Davide Calabria and Lewis Ferguson stay on the sidelines, whereas Nicolo Casale continues to wrestle with a shoulder harm.
In the meantime, Inter will probably be with out Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries. Nevertheless, Inzaghi may relaxation Lautaro or Marcus Thuram, with Mehdi Taremi and Marko Aranutovic prepared and ready.
Bologna vs Inter Potential Beginning Line-ups
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Holm, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro.
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Zalewski, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Arnautovic.
Bologna vs Inter Prediction
A flying begin could possibly be decisive, and it could properly favor Inter. Inzaghi’s males have saved a first-half clear sheet in 12 of their final 13 Serie A video games on the highway. With the Nerazzurri but to lose after taking the lead this season, their opener would condemn Bologna to a 3rd straight winless league recreation.
Nevertheless, the hosts have claimed a league-high 17 factors from shedding positions this season. On prime of that, their indomitable residence document suggests Inter could go away Dall’Ara with a crimson face.
Prediction: Draw
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