Inter Milan vs Bologna Preview

After extensive research, I can confirm that Inter Milan really did beat Brescia 6-0. I am glad to say that it was not a hallucination caused by staring too long at the rather psychedelic new kits. Rather, Inter played excellently across the pitch, with pretty much everyone having their best game in recent memory. Whether that form will last remains to be seen-Inter’s next match will be a great deal more difficult.

The Nerazzurri welcome Bologna into the San Siro on Sunday. The Rossoblù is solidly in mid table, 13 points out of relegation. There was some hope of a late Europa League run, but a midweek draw with Cagliari squashed that. Still, Bologna can cause Inter problems.

Siniša Mihajlović’s side likes to keep the ball, and has the 8th highest amount of possession per game in the league. It is also dangerous on the flanks. Bologna’s two young wingers, Riccardo Orsolini and Musa Barrow, have combined for 13 goals and 5 assists this season. They’re the bright spots on the team, as well as former Inter striker Rodrigo Palacio who has 6 tallies to his name. Other than that, this is a run of the mill team with not much more to play for this season.

Inter, on the other hand, seems to have locked up a Champions League spot, and are now 16 points ahead of Roma. There is also a chance of making up ground on Juventus and Lazio. The two title contenders will be engaged in tough matches against Torino and Milan, respectively. This is one of six more games this season that you would say Inter should win, no excuses, if it wants to have any say in the title race.

Predicted Starting XIs

Notes

• It was a tough call, but I went with Alexis Sanchez over Lautaro Martínez. Looking ahead, Lautaro could be more of use from a starting role against the defensively stout Hellas Verona, while Sánchez would be good from the bench in that fixture.
• After notching a goal and an assist in a fantastic performance against Brescia, I think that Young deserves the start again.
• Moses played very well too, but is suffering from muscle fatigue and unlikely to be risked so Candreva looks to start against the team he scored his 1st ever goal against, back in 2010 for Juventus.
• With Bologna playing fellow mid table sides Sassuolo and Parma next, I think 38 year old Palacio and perhaps one of Orsolini or Barrow will be rested Sunday.

All Time Record

As you would have expected, Inter has the lead in this series. The Nerazzurri have 70 wins to Bologna’s 40, while they’ve split 35 draws. Conte, though, has never lost in all 7 of his meetings as a coach against Bologna.

Prediction: Inter 2-1 Bologna

Inter are the much more talented side, but Bologna will make it earn the three points in a very tight game settled by a Lukaku winner.