The opulent setting of Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, prepares to host the second semi-final of the revamped EA Sports FC Supercoppa Italiana—a true heavyweight domestic battle that is thick with narrative tension. Serie A leaders Inter Milan face the reigning Coppa Italia champions, Bologna, in a clash that is far more than just a gateway to the final; it is a direct confrontation rooted in last season's unforgettable upset.
For Inter Milan, this semi-final represents a critical opportunity for immediate redemption. Exactly a year ago, it was Vincenzo Italiano’s tenacious Rossoblu side who delivered a staggering blow, eliminating the Nerazzurri from the Coppa Italia Round of 16—a humiliation that still stings the club’s leadership and fan base. Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter arrives as the overwhelming favourite, not just to lift this trophy, but to assert complete domestic authority. For Bologna, however, this is a chance to prove their cup triumph was not an anomaly, confirming their status as a genuine Italian elite capable of achieving glory on the biggest stage, backed by the confidence of having previously conquered their Milanese rivals.
Inter’s Machine and the Missing Cog
Inter’s current success is built on a ruthless efficiency that has propelled them to the top of the Serie A table. The foundation is a rock-solid 3-5-2 system, protected by the formidable Yann Sommer and marshalled by the reliable trio of Pavard, Acerbi, and Bastoni. Their dynamism originates on the flanks, where wing-backs Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries provide relentless width and supply.
Yet, the true engine room lies in the combination of midfield orchestration and sheer predatory finishing. Captain Lautaro Martínez is arguably the most in-form striker in European football, blending clinical finishing with tireless pressing. His partnership with Marcus Thuram makes the Inter frontline one of the most feared.
The major question mark, and Bologna's potential opening, centers on the enforced absence of Turkish playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu. Sidelined by an adductor issue, Calhanoglu leaves a gaping void in the deep-lying regista position, a role he has mastered. His unparalleled vision, set-piece expertise, and defensive screening are irreplaceable assets.
Manager Chivu has been compelled into a vital tactical shift, handing the crucial deep role to the recently acquired Piotr Zieliński. While Zieliński possesses immense creative talent, he lacks Calhanoglu’s experience and defensive discipline in this specific holding position, a vulnerability Bologna will be keen to expose with swift, vertical counters. This absence exponentially increases the burden on Nicolò Barella, who must now act as the primary engine, covering ground, winning tackles, and transitioning the ball forward with his explosive energy.
Bologna: Tactical Discipline Meets Zirkzee Flair
Bologna’s remarkable ascent under Italiano is a testament to tactical rigor. Italiano has instilled a philosophy of high-energy pressing, quick ball circulation, and efficient counter-attacks, turning the Rossoblu into a mentally tough side capable of grinding out results against any opponent. Their Coppa Italia success confirmed their resilience and knockout pedigree.
The entire attacking strategy pivots around the unique skillset of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee is far more than a simple target man; his ability to drop deep, link play, and create space for supporting runners—such as Dan Ndoye and Riccardo Orsolini—is crucial. He acts as the fluid fulcrum that can disrupt the structure of Inter's back three and exploit any indecision in the reshuffled midfield.
The midfield battle, specifically Barella vs. the reliable Bologna pairing of Michel Aebischer and Jerdy Schouten (if fit), will be the defining factor. If Bologna can successfully crowd Zieliński and limit his time on the ball, they can paralyze Inter’s build-up and launch attacks down the flanks against the advanced wing-backs.
Conclusion and Final Prediction
The Supercoppa semi-final has all the ingredients for a classic: a rich history of bad blood, a quest for the first silverware of the season, and a significant tactical talking point in Inter’s missing playmaker. Bologna's defiance and Zirkzee's creative flair will undoubtedly test the Serie A leaders to their absolute limit.
However, Inter's overall quality, their unmatched domestic consistency, and the devastating goal-scoring threat posed by Lautaro Martínez across 90 minutes gives them a narrow but discernible edge. They are highly motivated by the memory of last year’s elimination and more accustomed to succeeding in high-pressure cup environments. While Bologna will make this a fiercely contested battle, Inter’s desire for revenge and dominance should ultimately see them through to the final.
Final Score Prediction: Inter Milan 2 - 1 Bologna (After 90 minutes)
