Lautaro Martinez scores and assists as Inter beat Bologna 3-1 at San Siro to return to the Serie A summit, keeping the title race tight.
Inter responded to pressure in the title race with a convincing 3-1 win over Bologna at San Siro. Having seen rivals AC Milan and Napoli win earlier, the Nerazzurri needed a statement. They delivered it through a dominant display led by captain Lautaro Martinez. The victory sends Cristian Chivu’s side back to the top of Serie A, one point clear.
The result also served as timely revenge. Just over two weeks ago, Bologna had knocked Inter out of the Supercoppa Italiana on penalties. This time, there was no doubt about the outcome, even if the scoreline could have been heavier.
Inter started aggressively and pinned Bologna back from the opening minutes. Federico Ravaglia was quickly called into action, denying Martinez’s volley and then saving from Marcus Thuram. Bologna struggled to escape their half as Inter’s press forced repeated turnovers.
The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes before the interval. Martinez slipped the ball to Piotr Zielinski, who drilled a powerful shot in from the edge of the box. It was a deserved lead after sustained pressure and territorial control.
Inter wasted little time extending their advantage after half time. Three minutes into the second half, Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner found Martinez, who headed home for his 10th league goal. The captain’s celebration reflected both relief and authority.
Martinez almost added another moments later. A slip from Lewis Ferguson allowed Thuram to cross, but the Argentine struck the crossbar from close range. Bologna survived that scare, but the pattern of the game remained unchanged.
Inter’s third goal arrived in the 74th minute and again came from a set piece. Bologna failed to clear a corner, and Thuram’s shoulder glanced the ball over the line. The Frenchman’s work rate had deserved reward after a tireless display.
Bologna did manage a late response. Santiago Castro finished from Charalampos Lykogiannis’ cross in the 83rd minute, denying Yann Sommer a clean sheet. It proved a mere consolation as Inter saw out the closing stages comfortably.
Inter’s dominance was reflected clearly in the statistics. They generated 2.96 expected goals from 19 shots, with 10 on target. Bologna produced just 0.85 xG from six attempts, only one testing Sommer.
Martinez finished with four shots on target and an assist. Thuram led the duel count with 12, while also completing more dribbles and tackles than any other player. Zielinski scored his first Serie A goal since early November, underlining his growing influence.
Martinez set the tone with leadership and intensity, even playing through a painful early challenge. Zielinski’s goal shifted the momentum decisively before the break. Thuram’s physical presence stretched Bologna throughout.
Chivu’s tactical plan, built on aggressive pressing and midfield support, paid off fully. Inter looked sharper and more coordinated than in recent meetings with Bologna.
Inter now prepare for a demanding run of fixtures as the title race tightens. Chivu’s side face Parma on Tuesday, title rivals Napoli on 11th January, Lecce on 14th January, and Udinese on 17th January before hosting Arsenal in the Champions League on 20th January. With the season nearing its midpoint, squad management will be crucial. Confidence, however, is clearly high.
Bologna return home to host Atalanta looking to reset quickly. Despite the defeat, they remain competitive this season. Improving their resistance against top sides and pushing for European qualification will be the next challenge.
