Bologna Knock Out Inter Milan as Italiano Reveals the Key

Bornheimer – Vincenzo Italiano finally breathed a sigh of relief after guiding Bologna into the final of the Supercoppa Italiana. The dramatic semifinal, played in the early hours of Saturday, December 20, 2025 WIB, ended with Bologna eliminating Inter Milan via a tense penalty shootout. For Italiano, the victory was not just tactical, but emotional, following a match that tested his squad’s composure from the opening minute.

A Semifinal That Drained Both Energy and Emotion

Italiano admitted the Supercoppa clash demanded everything from his players. The ticket to the final was only decided after a nerve-wracking shootout, following a deadlock in regulation time. Bologna had to endure long spells without the ball, especially after conceding early, yet they stayed disciplined. According to the coach, surviving such pressure was a sign of the team’s growing maturity.

Early Setback That Could Have Broken the Team

Bologna’s night nearly unraveled when Marcus Thuram struck just 73 seconds into the match. The lightning-fast goal stunned Bologna and threatened to derail their plan. However, instead of panicking, the players regrouped quickly. Italiano later described the moment as a psychological test that demanded calm rather than desperation.

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Orsolini’s Response Restores Balance

The equalizer arrived in the first half through a penalty converted by Riccardo Orsolini. The goal shifted the momentum and gave Bologna renewed belief. Italiano praised his side’s composure, noting that responding well after such an early blow was crucial. From his perspective, Bologna’s first-half performance showed character and control.

Why Ciro Immobile Was Signed

The match finished 1–1 after 90 minutes, forcing penalties in Riyadh. This was where Ciro Immobile stepped into the spotlight. Tasked as the fifth and decisive penalty taker, the veteran striker delivered with trademark calm. “This is exactly why we signed Ciro,” Italiano told Sport Mediaset, emphasizing the value of experience in decisive moments.

Experience Makes the Difference Under Pressure

Italiano explained that Immobile was chosen as the final shooter because he is accustomed to high-pressure situations. Despite having been sidelined for a lengthy period earlier in the season, Immobile had returned to the squad over the past month. His composure from the bench to the penalty spot underlined why Bologna trusted him when everything was on the line.

Second-Half Struggles Against Inter’s Pressure

After the break, Inter Milan dominated possession and pushed Bologna deep into their own half. Bologna struggled to maintain attacking intensity and focused on defensive solidity. Italiano acknowledged the imbalance, admitting Inter were superior in the second half. Still, he felt the overall draw after 90 minutes was a fair reflection of the match.

Penalties Described as a Matter of Luck

Reflecting on the shootout, Italiano was candid. He described penalties as a “lottery” that always requires a measure of fortune. While preparation matters, he stressed that luck often decides the final outcome. This time, Bologna had just enough of it to advance.

A Historic Win for Bologna

The victory marked a historic moment for Bologna in the Supercoppa. Overcoming a reigning champion under such circumstances reinforced the team’s fighting spirit. Italiano highlighted how resilience, rather than flair, became the decisive factor against a squad filled with serial winners.

Turning an Early Goal into Extra Motivation

Italiano revealed that conceding so early actually fueled Bologna’s determination. The shock forced his players to focus on every duel and every second of the match. In his view, that adversity created an extra edge, pushing the team to compete with greater intensity.

Eyes Now Fixed on the Final Against Napoli

With Inter Milan out of the way, Bologna now turn their attention to a final showdown against Napoli, scheduled for Monday night local time. Italiano knows the challenge will be immense. Still, the semifinal triumph has strengthened belief within the squad, as Bologna prepare for one last battle on the Supercoppa stage.