Inter Milan is set to face off against Bologna in a crucial Serie A encounter, aiming to regain their winning form at San Siro in round eight. Let’s delve into the match preview.
Match Preview
Despite being joint league leaders, Inter Milan faced a setback in their last home game against Sassuolo.
On the other hand, Bologna has remained undefeated since their loss to AC Milan on the opening weekend.
In round five of Serie A, Inter Milan experienced an unexpected defeat against Sassuolo, losing 2-1 at home. This defeat marked their first loss of the campaign.
However, Simone Inzaghi’s team bounced back strongly, securing consecutive victories against Salernitana with a dominating 4-0 win and clinching their first Champions League victory of 2023-24 with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Benfica.
Lautaro Martinez emerged as the match-winner in the Salernitana match, scoring a stunning four times after coming on as a substitute.
Marcus Thuram also contributed significantly, securing the only goal in the Champions League clash.
Both players are likely to be key figures in Inzaghi’s lineup as they strive to maintain their position at the top of the league.
Currently, Inter Milan shares the top spot with AC Milan, with Napoli, Juventus, and Fiorentina trailing by four points.
Inter Milan has showcased solid defensive performances, conceding only three times in seven league games this season.
The Nerazzurri are aiming for their sixth shutout in eight games against Bologna.
However, beating Bologna will not be an easy task, as Thiago Motta’s men have displayed resilience, climbing to eighth in the table after an opening day defeat against Milan.
Bologna’s performance has been impressive, marked by a six-game undefeated run, including draws against Juventus and Napoli.
They have maintained four consecutive clean sheets, indicating their defensive strength.
In fact, Bologna has conceded one fewer goal than Inter Milan, highlighting the challenge Inter Milan’s formidable attack, the league’s best with 19 goals scored, will face in unlocking Bologna’s defense.
Inter Milan Serie A Form:
- W
- W
- W
- W
- L
- W
Inter Milan Form (All Competitions):
- W
- D
- W
- L
- W
- W
Bologna Serie A Form:
- D
- W
- D
- D
- D
- W
Team News:
For Inter Milan, Juan Cuadrado, though returning to the bench midweek, is not expected to start against Bologna.
They will miss the presence of injured players Davide Frattesi, Marko Arnautovic, and Stefano Sensi, who are anticipated to return after the international break.
Lautaro Martinez, the leading goal scorer in Serie A, will be a crucial asset for Inter Milan.
Bologna, on the other hand, is without Jhon Lucumí due to a ligament injury, and his return date remains uncertain.
Stefan Posch and Adama Soumaoro are also unavailable until November and January 2024, respectively.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Inter Milan:
Sommer;
Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni;
Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco;
Martinez, Thuram
Bologna:
Skorupski;
De Silvestri, Beukema, Calafiori, Kristiansen;
Aebischer, Freuler; Orsolini, Ferguson, Ndoye;
Zirkzee
Prediction
In this highly anticipated clash between the best attack and the second-best defense in Serie A, Inter Milan’s offensive prowess, particularly led by Martinez’s outstanding start to the season, may give them the upper hand against Bologna.
- Our prediction stands at Inter Milan 2-0 Bologna.