🇸🇦 Riyadh Sets the Stage for a Super Cup Battle
Riyadh prepares for a massive football night. The Al-Awwal Park stadium welcomes two Italian teams on December 19, 2025. This semi-final match brings high stakes to the Italy Super Cup. Bologna fights to prove they belong among the elite. Meanwhile, Inter seeks to confirm their dominance as league leaders.
Indeed, the desert heat will test both squads. The local weather forecasts a comfortable 55°F. Nevertheless, the intensity on the pitch will surely rise. Inter holds a 63% probability of winning this encounter. Bologna enters as the underdog with a 14% win probability. Consequently, the pressure rests on the Milan giants to deliver.
Interestingly, both teams have traveled exactly 2525 miles from Italy to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, fatigue could become a hidden opponent for both managers. Fans expect a tactical chess match in this Bologna VS INTER clash.
🏟️ Previous Encounter: A Tale of Resilience and Dominance
The history between these two clubs is incredibly long. Specifically, the sources show 45 matches in their head-to-head record. Inter has historically crushed the opposition with 28 wins. Bologna has managed only 8 victories over the years. Furthermore, the sides have shared the points in 9 draws.
However, the recent cronología de inter milan contra fc barcelona style of recent history tells a different story. Bologna has become a “giant killer” in recent months. For instance, Bologna defeated Inter 1-0 in April 2025. That result sent shockwaves through the league.
Similarly, the teams played to a 2-2 draw in January 2025. This pattern shows that Bologna no longer fears the Nerazzurri. Bologna often uses a compact defensive block to frustrate Inter’s stars. But Inter can be ruthless when they find space. Historically, Inter delivered 6-1 hammerings to Bologna in both 2021 and 2022. Thus, the mental edge is a complex mix of historical fear and modern confidence.
| Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 04/20/2025 | Bologna 1 – 0 Inter | Serie A |
| 01/15/2025 | Inter 2 – 2 Bologna | Serie A |
| 03/09/2024 | Bologna 0 – 1 Inter | Serie A |
| 12/20/2023 | Inter 0 – 0 Bologna | Coppa Italia |
📈 Overall Performance: Possession Masters Meet League Leaders
Inter sits at the very top of Serie A. They possess a relentless winning machine. Specifically, Inter has scored 165 goals in their last 83 matches. This averages to nearly 2 goals per game. Additionally, their defense is the best in the country. They concede only 0.94 goals per match.
Bologna is currently 6th in the league. They represent a team with high ambitions. Interestingly, both teams share an identical 57% average ball possession. This means the battle for the ball will be fierce. Bologna plays a patient game with 452.41 average passes per match. Inter is even more precise. They complete 498.28 passes with an 87% accuracy rate.
Moreover, Inter’s attacking volume is slightly higher. They take 14.46 shots per game. Bologna follows closely with 13.97 shots per match. Most of Bologna’s shots come from inside the box. Inter also prefers shooting from close range. Therefore, the box will be crowded.
⚡ Recent Form: Contrasting Moods in Riyadh
Bologna’s recent mood is quite erratic. Their last six matches show two wins, one draw, and three losses. Recently, they lost 0-1 to Juventus in the league. But they found success in Europe. They beat Celta Vigo 2-1 and crushed RB Salzburg 4-1. Importantly, they secured a 2-1 win over Parma in the cup.
Meanwhile, Inter is flying high despite a few stumbles. Their last six games consist of four wins and two losses. Notably, they lost 0-1 to Liverpool in the Champions League. But they dominated the domestic scene. They thrashed Venezia 5-1 and beat Calcio Como 4-0. Consequently, Inter feels more consistent.
However, injuries are plaguing both teams. Bologna is missing key players like Skorupski and Freuler. Inter is without Dumfries and Acerbi. Thus, squad depth will decide the final twenty minutes.
🔍 Main Trends: Defense and Efficiency
The sources point toward a low-scoring affair. Specifically, there is a 56% probability of Under 2.5 goals. Bologna’s defense has been tight. They have kept clean sheets in 25 of their last 73 matches. Inter is even more efficient. They have 37 clean sheets in 83 games.
Another key trend involves goal timing. Bologna usually strikes later in the game. Their average scoring time is the 43rd minute. Interestingly, Inter scores much earlier. Their average event time is the 33rd minute. Thus, Bologna must survive the first half-hour.
Furthermore, Inter has a 48% probability of leading at half-time. Bologna only has a 9% chance to lead by the break. Therefore, the first half belongs to Inter. But Bologna is the master of the late surge.
📋 Probable Lineups: Dealing with Absences
The Italy Super Cup often sees rotation. But semi-finals demand the best XI. Both teams have long injury lists to navigate.
Bologna Lineup (Predicted)
Bologna must play without their star goalkeeper Skorupski. Therefore, Ravaglia will likely start.
- GK: Ravaglia
- DEF: Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis
- MID: Moro, Aebischer, Fabbian
- FWD: Orsolini, Ndoye, Castro
Inter Lineup (Predicted)
Inter misses the experienced Acerbi and the fast Dumfries.
- GK: Yann Sommer
- DEF: Manuel Akanji, Yann Aurel Bisseck, Alessandro Bastoni
- MID: Nicolo Barella, Petar Sucic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Federico Dimarco
- FWD: Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram
🎯 Key Players to Watch: The Match Winners
Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Martinez is the heart of the Inter attack. He has played 981 minutes this season. He is the main threat in the box. Bologna defenders must track his every movement. If he gets one chance, he usually scores.
Nicolo Barella (Inter)
Barella is the engine in the midfield. He has recorded 1021 minutes on the pitch. He links the defense to the attack. His 87% passing accuracy makes him dangerous. He will try to control the tempo in Riyadh.
Sam Beukema (Bologna)
Beukema is Bologna’s defensive rock. He must stop the Martinez-Thuram partnership. Bologna concedes only 1.04 goals per game because of their solid backline. He needs a perfect game on Friday.
🔮 Prediction: Experience Over Ambition
This semi-final feels like a classic battle. Bologna will try to keep the ball. They have the possession to frustrate Inter. Nevertheless, Inter is too clinical.
Specifically, the sources predict a 0-1 victory for Inter. The Nerazzurri know how to win these tournament games. They will likely score early and then defend the lead. Bologna will miss Freuler’s leadership in the midfield. Consequently, Inter will control the center of the park.
Clearly, the 63% win probability for Inter is justified. Bologna might force a draw at half-time (43% probability). But the second half will belong to the favorites.
Final Score Prediction: Bologna 0 – 1 Inter.
Ultimately, this match is like a game of poker between a veteran and a rising star. The veteran has the better hand, but the rising star isn’t afraid to bluff. In Riyadh, the veteran’s experience will likely take the pot.
The reference data comes from: https://www.forebet.com/en/football/matches/bologna-inter-2410641
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