Inter expressed gratitude towards their defensive line as Yann Bisseck netted a goal against Bologna, contributing significantly to their ability to withstand relentless pressure in the latter half of the match. However, the team faced another setback with a serious injury to Marko Arnautovic.
Both Inter and Bologna had been in formidable form in Italian football, with the Rossoblu securing victory in six consecutive matches, solidifying their position in fourth place, and the Nerazzurri boasting an unbeaten streak of 12 competitive games in 2024. Jesper Karlsson and Adama Soumaoro were sidelined due to injuries for the hosts, whereas Stefano Sensi and Juan Cuadrado were absent from the squad. Jens Odgaard made his first start following his impactful performances as a substitute. Alessandro Bastoni returned from suspension, and Hakan Calhanoglu, Davide Frattesi, Francesco Acerbi, and Marcus Thuram regained fitness. Lautaro Martinez was rested in preparation for Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid.
Alexis Sanchez tested Bologna’s goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski with a close-range effort, facilitated by a Carlos Augusto ‘scorpion’ kick assist. Skorupski thwarted Victor Kristiansen’s attempt following an error, making a crucial save against Nicolò Barella.
Despite Lewis Ferguson’s powerful shot challenging Yann Sommer, and Alexis Saelemaekers missing the subsequent opportunity, it was Inter who seized the lead. Bastoni’s cross from the left found Yann Bisseck unmarked for a header at the far post, eluding Saelemaekers.
Matteo Darmian’s dangerous delivery from the right caused Kristiansen to intervene, preventing an own goal against Barella.
Carlos Augusto’s calf discomfort led to his substitution at halftime, resulting in Darmian shifting to the left-back position.
Bologna intensified their attack early in the second half, with Stefan Posch’s fierce cross narrowly missing the target and Zirkzee’s attempt deflecting wide.
Despite the hosts’ increased tempo and pressure, Remo Freuler inadvertently blocked a promising shot from Zirkzee within the penalty area, and Ferguson’s effort went wide.
Sommer was equal to Zirkzee’s strike after Ferguson’s interception in midfield, while Dan Ndoye and debutant Santiago Castro squandered opportunities with wayward shots.
The second half witnessed relentless pressure from Bologna on Inter’s goal, but the Nerazzurri managed to hold firm, securing another clean sheet and edging closer to the Scudetto.
However, the joy was marred by a devastating injury blow in stoppage time, as Marko Arnautovic pulled up and collapsed clutching the back of his right hamstring against his former club, leaving Inter with ten men on the field.
Bologna 0-1 Inter