Bologna vs Inter: Can Bologna trouble the Serie A leaders?

Inter have scored 18 goals in six Serie A matches and lost none of them. That record sets the tone for Saturday’s trip to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, where the league leaders face a Bologna side fighting to climb out of the bottom half.

Leaders against a side in trouble

Inter sit top of the table with 16 points from six games and a goal difference of +10. Bologna are 14th of 20 with five points and a goal difference of -2. For the hosts, a positive result would be a important step away from the lower reaches of the table. For Inter, a win would extend an impressive unbeaten run and underline why they are the team to beat.

Inter’s attacking momentum

Inter have been relentless in front of goal. They have scored 14 goals in their last five games, averaging close to three a game, and have conceded seven in that spell. Their home form has been especially strong, with four wins from four and 15 goals scored at home.

Bologna’s recent spell has been more uneven. They have won once and drawn twice in their last five, scoring five and conceding six. At home they have yet to win this season, collecting two draws and a defeat from three matches.

Five meetings, three draws

The recent history between these sides is tight. Their last five meetings have produced three draws, one Inter win and one Bologna win. The most recent was a 3-3 draw in Bologna in May, a game that showed the hosts can match Inter’s attacking threat when they get on the front foot.

Injuries tilt the balance

Bologna are missing two players through thigh injuries, E. Holm and R. Orsolini, and face late fitness doubts over S. Mbangula, J. Odgaard and A. Theate. Inter are without C. Jones and L. Martinez, also with thigh problems, and J. Stones is a doubt. Bologna’s absences matter more given how much they will need to contain Inter’s attacking players.

Our prediction

Bologna 1-2 Inter. Inter’s firepower and their away record make them the clear favourites, and Bologna’s home struggles and injury problems make an easy home win unlikely. Still, the head-to-head pattern of tight, drawn games suggests Bologna can keep it close and have a real chance to make it a contest.