Overrated Inter saves against Bologna

Inter rested too early and were overtaken by Bologna, who earned a deserved 2-2 draw at San Siro after going 2-0 down in the first quarter of an hour.

Indeed, it's the Bolognese themselves who are complaining, having had the chance to make it 2-3 in the final play of the match. The Nerazzurri, overrated as a championship-killing team, slowed down and dropped more precious points, having held a lead after their defeat against Sassuolo.

Acerbi's header and Lautaro's wonder goal seemed to put the match in perspective, but Orsolini's penalty put the Emilians back in the game, and in the second half, Zirkzee scored a deserved equalizer. At that point, Inter, lacking clarity and increasingly tired from the strains of the cup, were unable to regain the lead and could only manage a draw that left many regrets.

Inzaghi relies on his regular starters for the final effort of this mini-cycle, and the start is promising. While the visitors had the first flash, with Ferguson's low shot causing shock at San Siro, Inter were unforgiving when they found Skorupski's side. In the 11th minute, Calhanoglu played a corner to Acerbi, who, with a beautiful twisting header, beat Freuler and slammed home. Bologna barely had time to put the ball back in the box before Lautaro Martinez's powerful strike from outside the box forced them to surrender.

Inzaghi's team was in complete control, but in the 18th minute, a naivety from 'Il Toro' brought Bologna back to their feet, stunned by the initial one-two. The Argentine belted Ferguson in the box, but Guida missed the contact, but VAR didn't. Sommer guessed the right one from the spot, but Orsolini scored and put the Emilians back in the game.

The unexpected goal gave the visitors renewed energy, and they almost equalized with a sloppy touch from the ever-dangerous Ferguson following Orsolini's vicious free kick. Inter returned to the attack, but lacked the enthusiasm and momentum of the opening minutes. They created a chance with Pavard's overhead kick that went wide, but little else.

The interval did not change the momentum of the match, Inter lost their brilliance and in the 7th minute they were caught by Bologna.

At this point, Inzaghi attempted to spark a surge with a triple substitution from the bench: Cuadrado and Carlos Augusto gave Dumfries and Dimarco a rest, while Sanchez replaced Thuram in attack. The Chilean immediately found the net from an assist from Carlos Augusto, but the referee ruled it out for offside.

Bologna retreated to their own half, but the Nerazzurri struggled to create any real chances near Skorupski. Lautaro nearly took the lead again following a corner, but the Polish goalkeeper saved Carlos Augusto's powerful strike in the middle.

The match ended 2-2, leaving Inter with many regrets and confirming that Bologna are always tough against the big teams.

Analysis

Inter started the match on the right foot and took the lead in just a few minutes thanks to goals from Acerbi and Lautaro Martinez. Inzaghi's team was in control, but in the 18th minute they made a naive mistake that allowed Bologna to reopen the game. Orsolini's goal gave the Emilians renewed energy, and they equalized in the second half through Zirkzee.

Inter are feeling tired and are unable to find the back of the net, leaving two precious points on the way.

Best on the field

Acerbi (Inter): a goal and a solid performance in defense.
Orsolini (Bologna): one goal and one assist for the equaliser.
Zirkzee (Bologna): a goal that was worth the draw.
Worst on the pitch

Lautaro Martinez (Inter): a goal and a naive mistake that costs Bologna a draw.
Dumfries (Inter): a colourless match.