Did Inter Milan Fall to Bologna in Italian Super Cup Semifinals?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling semifinal match of the Supercoppa Italiana, Inter Milan's dreams were dashed by Bologna in a penalty shootout. Despite an early lead, Inter was unable to convert chances into goals, leading to a tense finish. Mkhitaryan's reflections on the loss underline the need for improvement as they prepare for their next match against Atalanta.
Key Takeaways
- Nerazzurri dominated the match but failed to convert chances.
- Penalty shootout saw Inter miss three penalties.
- Mkhitaryan stressed the importance of finishing matches.
- Bologna advances to face Napoli.
- Inter must regroup for their next match against Atalanta.
Riyadh, Dec 20 (NationPress) Inter Milan faced elimination from the Supercoppa Italiana after a tense penalty shootout against Bologna in the semifinals.
Despite putting on a commendable display, the Nerazzurri ended the match in a 1–1 tie with Bologna after the standard 90 minutes. Inter dominated the game with multiple scoring opportunities but ultimately succumbed to the Rossoblu in the penalties.
Thuram opened the scoring early, but Orsolini equalized with a penalty in the 35th minute, awarded after a VAR review revealed a handball by Bisseck.
In the second half, Inter threatened to secure a vital goal, with Ravaglia making remarkable saves against Luis Henrique, Dimarco, and Lautaro, who came on after halftime. A crucial save by Martínez against Fabbian ensured the score remained 1–1.
During the penalty shootout, the momentum shifted to Bologna. After Lautaro successfully converted his kick, Inter missed three consecutive penalties—Bastoni and Bonny had their attempts saved, while Barella shot over the bar. Bologna stumbled with misses from Moro and Miranda, but Immobile scored to propel Italiano’s squad to the final against Napoli.
Post-match, Henrikh Mkhitaryan reflected on their performance, stating, “We should have finished it earlier; once it goes to penalties, it’s a different story. The team performed well until the shootout. In the second half, we dominated and created numerous chances, but failing to capitalize cost us – this is football. We regret this outcome.”
He emphasized the need to improve on closing out matches, asserting, “When you create that much, you should put it away. We also need to believe in our ability to win even in tough situations.”
Mkhitaryan acknowledged Bologna’s merit after winning the Coppa Italia, stating, “We aimed to win but fell short – that’s football. There’s no justification needed: we have much work ahead. It’s disappointing, but we understand what we must do and will strive harder to achieve our goals.”
“We must move past this match, even though it’s disappointing. Now, we shift our focus to Atalanta – a different competition where points are crucial for progress,” he added.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the competitive nature of football, where even the best teams can face unexpected outcomes. Inter Milan's performance was commendable, but as Mkhitaryan noted, failing to secure the match in regular time led to their downfall. This defeat serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, and the need for teams to capitalize on their opportunities.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Inter Milan and Bologna?
The match ended in a 1–1 draw, with Bologna winning 4–2 on penalties.
Who scored for Inter Milan in the match?
Thuram scored the opening goal for Inter Milan.
What did Mkhitaryan say after the match?
Mkhitaryan emphasized the need for the team to finish matches early and to work on their ability to capitalize on chances.
Who will Bologna face in the final?
Bologna will face Napoli in the final of the Supercoppa Italiana.
What was the reason for Bologna's equalizer?
Bologna equalized through a penalty converted by Orsolini after a handball was called on Bisseck.
