Bologna shocked Inter in the Supercoppa semifinal, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw to set up a final clash with Napoli.
Bologna booked their place in the Italian Supercoppa final after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Inter. The semifinal ended 1-1 after regulation time in Riyadh. Federico Ravaglia emerged as the decisive figure. His saves sent Bologna through.
The victory sets up a final against Napoli on Monday. Napoli had beaten AC Milan 2-0 in the first semifinal. All matches are being played in Saudi Arabia. Bologna now stand one win from lifting the trophy.
Inter made the perfect start to the contest. Alessandro Bastoni surged forward from deep inside his own half. His cross found Marcus Thuram at the far post. The striker volleyed home after just over a minute.
The early goal put Bologna under pressure. Inter controlled possession for long spells. Bologna stayed compact and waited for their moment. That patience was rewarded before the break.
The equaliser came after a VAR review. Yann Bisseck was penalised for handball inside the area. Riccardo Orsolini stepped up with confidence. He rifled the penalty past Josep Martínez.
The goal changed the momentum. Bologna grew in belief. Inter still created chances before half time. Bisseck nearly made amends with a header, but Ravaglia saved well.
Inter pushed again after the restart. Ravaglia denied Luis Henrique with a sharp save. He then kept out Federico Dimarco from distance. Bologna were under sustained pressure. Inter thought they had a penalty of thei own in the 58thbut it was cancelled after a VAR review.
At the other end, Jonathan Rowe tested Martínez from a free kick. The Inter keeper responded confidently. Chances continued to come for Inter. Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij and Dimarco all went close.
Late drama followed in stoppage time. Giovanni Fabbian almost won it for Bologna. Martínez produced a superb diving save to force penalties. The match remained finely balanced.
The shootout proved tense and error filled. Ravaglia saved spot kicks from Bastoni and Ange Yohan Bonny. Inter also missed through Nicolo Barella. Bologna kept their nerve when it mattered.
Ciro Immobile stepped up to take the decisive penalty. He calmly slotted home to seal a 3-2 shootout win. Ravaglia was mobbed by teammates. Bologna celebrated a famous victory.
Inter dominated shots and territory across ninety minutes. Bologna relied on discipline and goalkeeping. The match finished level despite Inter creating the clearer chances. Penalties ultimately proved decisive.
The Italian Supercoppa features last season’s league and cup finalists. Bologna earned their place as Coppa Italia winners. Inter were aiming to add another Supercoppa title. That ambition was denied.
Ravaglia was the standout performer throughout the night. His saves in open play kept Bologna alive. His shootout heroics sealed progression. Orsolini also delivered under pressure.
For Inter, Thuram’s early strike set the tone. Bastoni was influential going forward. However, missed penalties proved costly. Fine margins decided the outcome.
Bologna will face Napoli in Monday’s final in Riyadh. Napoli are chasing another Supercoppa crown. Bologna are appearing in the final for the first time. Inter now return focus to domestic duties. Cristian Chivu’s side will be back in action on December 28th when they travel to Atalanta in Serie A.
