Inter suffered a massive blow in their title defense as they were beaten 2-1 by Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. They were off to a flying start thanks to Ivan Perisic’s wonderful shot. However, Bologna equalized through Marko Arnautovic’s header.
The Rossoblu found their winner after Ionut Radu misjudged a throw from Perisic and Sansone found the net. This is a massive blow for Inter at this point in the title race and they will be relying on Milan to drop points to have a chance of defending their title.
Starting XIs: No Handanovic for Inter, Bologna Make Five Changes
Inter made just the one change from their win over Roma with first-choice goalkeeper Samir Handanovic on the bench due to an injury and Ionut Radu starting in his place. This was the Romanian’s first Serie A start of the 2021/22 season.
Bologna made five changes from their draw against Udinese with Lukasz Skorupski starting ahead of Francesco Bardi in between the sticks. Gary Medel and Adama Soumaoro were in central defense, replacing Kevin Bonifazi and Luis Binks respectively.
Arnautovic Cancels Perisic Opener
Inter were off to a flying start as Ivan Perisic opened the scoring with a left-footed screamer. The Nerazzurri were easily the more dominant of the two and had plenty of chances to extend their lead.
First, Dimarco took a shot at goal but it was blocked by Lukasz Skorupski. Lautaro Martinez also had an attempt at goal but it was just wide. Then, Milan Skriniar also made a galloping run forward ane shot on goal but his shot was wide. Bologna found their equalizer after Musa Barrow’s cross was headed in by Arnautovic.
Radu Blunder Delivers Major Blow to Title Hopes
Inter were looking to score and had several chances to do so. Dumfries tried to find the net on a couple of occasions but could not cash in on them. Bologna also had their moments during the match with Arnautovic closing in on goal. However, the Austrian was denied by Skriniar’s defending.
Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko also had their chances to score but could not do so. Bologna eventually found their winner through Sansone, who took advantage of Radu’s incredible blunder. It was a disappointing display from Inter who are now two points behind Milan.
What’s Next for Inter and Bologna
Inter will travel to Udine for their fixture against Udinese during the weekend. The Nerazzurri will fancy their chances against the Friulani and have a good chance of grabbing all three points.
Bologna have a tough fixture as they travel to the capital Rome to face Jose Mourinho’s Roma who haven’t lost at home since January. However, Bologna have avoided defeat in their last two away fixtures against Juventus and Milan so we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of them getting something from that match.
MATCH SCORECARD
April 27, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Round 20
BOLOGNA – INTER 2-1
SCORERS: 3′ Perisic (I), 28′ Arnautovic (B), 86′ Sansone (B)
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BOLOGNA (3-5-2): Skorupski; Soumaoro, Medel, Theate; De Silvestri, Svanberg (67′ Aebischer), Schouten, Soriano (67′ Dominguez), Hickey; Arnautovic (88′ Orsolini), Barrow (33′ st Sansone) (Bardi, Binks, Bonifazi, Viola, Mbaye, Santander, Vignato, Kasius) Coach: Tanjga (replacing Mihajlovic) |
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INTER (3-5-2): Radu; Skriniar, De Vrij, Dimarco (70′ D’Ambrosio); Dumfries (85′ Darmian), Barella (63′ Sanchez), Brozovic, Calhanoglu (85′ Gagliardini), Perisic; Lautaro Martinez, Correa (63′ Dzeko) (Handanovic, Cordaz, Vecino, Ranocchia, Sangalli, Carboni, Bastoni) Coach: S. Inzaghi |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Arnautovic (B), S. Inzaghi, Barella, Dumfries, Calhanoglu (I); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 4′