Inter vs Bologna: history, rotation and €11m on the line
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 19.12.25. | 16:01
Napoli await the winner as Chivu calls the Nerazzurri "intruders" in Riyadh (10 pm)
Napoli are already through to the Supercoppa Italiana final. Tonight in Riyadh (10 pm), Bologna and Inter will decide who joins them in the fight for the Supercoppa Italiana trophy.
Bologna have become a recurring nightmare for Inter in recent seasons. From Sinisa Mihajlovic's decisive win at San Siro in 2020 to Thiago Motta's title-blowing upset in 2022, and Vincenzo Italiano's Coppa Italia elimination last year, the Rossoblu have repeatedly derailed Inter's ambitions.
On paper, the semi-final means more to Bologna. Inter coach Cristian Chivu even described his side as "intruders" in the Supercoppa, noting that the competition should traditionally feature the league and cup winners. Still, with €11 million at stake - and January reinforcements needed - Inter are taking the opportunity seriously.
Heavy rotation is expected from the Nerazzurri. Pep Martinez could start in goal, De Vrij may feature in defence, while Frattesi, Barella, Zielinski and one of Lautaro Martinez or Marcus Thuram are all in contention. Calhanoglu is not fully fit and will begin on the bench.
Italiano, known for constant rotation, will also freshen his XI, potentially handing starts to Bernardeschi and Moro as Bologna look to strike again against elite opposition.
Form lines are mixed. Inter have steadied themselves in Serie A but struggled in Europe, while Bologna have dropped points domestically yet revived their European hopes with back-to-back wins.
Both coaches are making their Supercoppa debuts, though Italiano arrives with far greater final experience. Inter will be without Acerbi, Dumfries and Darmian, while Bologna travel without Skorupski, Cazale and Freuler.
Napoli watch on - and history suggests Bologna won't make it easy for Inter once again.
SUPERCOPPA ITALIANA
Semi-finals
Thursday
Napoli - Milan (1-0)
/Neres 39, Hojlund 63/
Friday
22.00: (5.90) Bologna (3.90) Inter (1.67)
***odds are subject to change***
