Bologna vs Inter battles for a spot in the Supercoppa Italiana final tonight in Saudi Arabia. The second semi-final kicks off at 7:00 PM GMT from Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh. Marcus Thuram leads Inter’s attacking force as both teams pursue Italian football’s biggest prize.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Match Time: Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM GMT from Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh
- Final will be Dec 22: Winner faces Napoli on Monday after Napoli defeated AC Milan 2-0
- Bologna holds advantage: Coppa Italia holders face Serie A runners-up Inter in knockout format
- No penalties required: Winners decided after 90 minutes only, with penalties determining advancement if tied
Bologna Eyes Final After April Upset
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Bologna comes into tonight carrying confidence from their historic 1-0 victory over Inter in April, a result that effectively decided the Serie A title race and steered it toward Napoli. The Coppa Italia holders are competing as one of Italy’s hottest teams this season. Defensively, they face injury challenges with Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler, and Nicolò Casale sidelined, yet Martin Vitik returned to the squad.
Santiago Castro will lead the attack for Bologna, with support from Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, and Federico Bernardeschi in midfield. Full-backs Emil Holm and Juan Miranda provide width on the flanks. This attacking setup presents a dangerous proposition for Inter’s defense.
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Marcus Thuram partners with Ange-Yoan Bonny upfront as Inter looks to overturn April’s defeat and reach Monday’s final. Head coach Simone Inzaghi has made tactical adjustments for the Saudi Arabia clash. Josep Martinez starts in goal, marking his first appearance since surviving a serious car accident on October 28. The goalkeeper’s return represents a crucial boost for Inter’s confidence.
Inter enter as Serie A runners-up with recent strong form, sitting atop the league table after defeating Genoa 2-1 on December 14. However, they’ll miss Denzel Dumfries for months following ankle surgery. Lautaro Martinez gets rest on the bench, while Piotr Zielinski, Nicolò Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan anchor the midfield with Luis Henrique operating on the right wing.
Team News and Lineup Analysis
| Team | Key Players | Notable Absences |
| Bologna | Castro, Orsolini, Odgaard, Bernardeschi | Skorupski, Freuler, Casale |
| Inter | Thuram, Bonny, Zielinski, Barella | Dumfries (surgery), Acerbi, Darmian |
Interestingly, Davide Frattesi remains benched for Inter despite expectations he’d get rare playing time in midfield. This decision reflects Inzaghi’s preference for his established midfield trio. Bologna’s Valter Ravaglia starts in goal opposite Inter’s Josep Martinez in what could be an intriguing battle between the posts.
What Makes This Matchup Compelling?
Bologna’s psychological edge from April’s victory cannot be overlooked, yet Inter’s superior regular season form contradicts that narrative. Inter have won 8 of 11 Serie A matches this season, placing them top of the table momentarily. Bologna currently sits in sixth position but has shown they can compete with Italy’s elite when it matters most.
The absence of key players creates an unpredictable dynamic. Bologna’s loss of defensive stalwarts against Inter’s attacking prowess could shift momentum quickly. Thuram’s presence as a creative and finishing threat means Bologna’s backline must remain organized. Any defensive lapses could prove costly in a single-legged knockout format.
Can Bologna Repeat April’s Magic Against Inter Tonight?
The answer to this question determines who faces Napoli in Monday’s final for Italy’s most prestigious club trophy. Bologna’s proven ability to beat Inter suggests they’re not mere underdogs despite Inter’s league position. However, Inter’s determination to overturn the April result and reach their target could make tonight an extremely tightly contested affair.
Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s preparation for Saudi Arabia, while Marcus Thuram has expressed his delight at competing in the tournament. The French striker will be hungry to make an impact after his absence from that April meeting. Everything points toward an exciting semi-final between two ambitious Italian clubs.
Sources
- Football Italia – Official lineups and team news
- ESPN – Live match coverage and scheduling information
- Official Inter Milan – Tournament details and player confirmations
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.