Coppa Italia Holder Inter Milan have been knocked out of the competition by Bologna in their round of 16 clash.
Despite Inter’s initial dominance, Bologna, currently holding the fourth spot in Serie A, posed a threat throughout the game. The deadlock remained unbroken until extra time.
Inter defender Carlos Augusto managed to break the stalemate merely two minutes into the extra period with a header, seemingly steering the game in Inter’s favour. However, Bologna’s relentless spirit came to the forefront as Sam Beukema and Dan Ndoye scored two crucial goals in the latter half of extra time. These goals turned the tide in Bologna’s favour, securing them a spot in the quarter-finals against Fiorentina.
The encounter witnessed some missed opportunities for Inter Milan, notably when forward Lautaro Martinez failed to convert a penalty opportunity, denied by Bologna’s goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia. Despite Inter’s attempts to capitalise on their first-half dominance, Bologna’s resilience in defense and Ravaglia’s remarkable saves kept them in contention.
Former Inter midfielder Thiago Motta’s management of Bologna proved pivotal as his team defied the odds against the formidable Inter. Joining the ranks of other successful teams in the last eight, Bologna displayed commendable strength and determination.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s strategic changes, resting key players like Hakan Calhanoglu and Marcus Thuram, showcased a tactical approach. However, despite their efforts and a slew of chances, Inter couldn’t secure a victory against a resilient Bologna side.
The loss for Inter Milan marks a shocking exit from the competition, emphasising the unpredictable nature of football. As they regroup for their upcoming Serie A clash against Lecce, Bologna revel in a well-deserved triumph, looking ahead to host Atalanta in their next fixture.