Bologna edged Inter after a 1-1 draw, winning 3-2 on penalties in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final in Riyadh. Betting angle: Inter’s penalty frailty and Bologna’s defensive solidity make a small wager on Bologna to win (including penalties) or on the match to finish level after 90 minutes sensible; consider markets for goalkeeper saves and under 2.5 goals given the tight, low-scoring nature.
Bologna shock Inter in Supercoppa semi after penalty shootout
Bologna advanced to the Supercoppa Italiana final four after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Inter that was decided by penalties, the Rossoblu prevailing 3-2 in the shootout. The match in Riyadh saw an early blow for Bologna, a composed reply and a nerve-shredding finish from the spot.
Early strike gives Inter instant lead
Alessandro Bastoni set the tone inside the opening two minutes, nicking the ball and finding Marcus Thuram, who volleyed home after just 72 seconds. The quick opener looked like it might settle the tie in Inter’s favour, but Bologna regrouped and grew into the contest.
Orsolini levels from the spot
Bologna’s equaliser arrived from the penalty spot after 35 minutes, Riccardo Orsolini dispatching calmly down the middle to make it 1-1. The remainder of the 90 minutes produced few clear-cut chances, and with no extra time in this competition the tie went straight to penalties.
Penalty drama: misses and saves decide it
The shootout was chaotic. Several penalties were missed, and both goalkeepers produced crucial stops. Jonathan Rowe converted to shift momentum, and after a series of failed attempts by both sides Bologna held their nerve. Stefan de Vrij and Ciro Immobile ultimately converted decisive spot-kicks that sealed victory for Bologna.
Key performers
Rafael Ravaglia (Bologna) and Josep Martínez (Inter) were both important, with Martínez in particular making a late save that kept Inter alive. Lucumí stood out defensively for Bologna, thwarting danger at critical moments and delivering a match-defining interception in the final minutes of normal time.
Player ratings and standout names
Bologna: Ravaglia 7; Holm 6.5, Heggem 6.5, Lucumí 7, Miranda 6; Moro 6, Pobega 5.5; Orsolini 7, Odgaard 5.5, Bernardeschi 6.5; Castro 6. Best Bologna player: Lucumí 7 — an imposing defensive display that kept Inter at bay when it mattered most. Coach Vincenzo Italiano earned praise for game management and resilience.
Inter: J. Martinez 7; Bisseck 5, De Vrij 6, Bastoni 6.5; L. Henrique 5.5, Barella 6, Zielinski 6, Mkhitaryan 6, Dimarco 6.5; Thuram 6.5, Bonny 6. Best Inter player: Josep Martínez 7 — his late saves kept Inter level, only for the shootout to slip away.
Tactical takeaways and implications
Bologna’s defensive organisation and goalkeeper confidence were decisive in a low-scoring affair. Inter created early momentum but lacked killer instincts in the final third. For coaches and analysts, the match underlined the importance of composure from the spot and defensive set-up in knockout formats without extra time.
What this means for punters
The result highlights Inter’s vulnerability from the spot and Bologna’s defensive reliability. Markets to consider in similar fixtures: backing Bologna in match-winner markets that include penalties, betting on matches to be under 2.5 goals, or staking on goalkeeper save and penalty-related prop bets where odds price in pressure on takers.
Video: Inter crash out! Napoli vs. Bologna Final. Milan’s transfer disasters, brilliant Spalletti
The defenders and goalkeepers provided some of the most impressive performances as Bologna booked their...
Football Italia
