Inter Milan 2-2 Bologna: Nerazzurri let slip two-goal lead as visitors recover to earn point at San Siro
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Updated 07/10/2023 at 16:13 GMT
It was frustration for Inter on Saturday afternoon as, after racing into a two-goal lead against Bologna, they were unable to hold off their visitors to San Siro, and eventually had to make do with a point that kept them top of Serie A ahead of the day’s later matches. Francesco Acerbi and Lautaro Martinez struck for Inter, but goals from Riccardo Orsolini and Joshua Zirkzee pegged them back.
Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 07, 2023 in Milan, Italy.
Image credit: Getty Images
Inter surrendered an early two-goal advantage as Bologna fought back to secure a draw in Serie A at the San Siro.
Francesco Acerbi opened the scoring after 11 minutes when he met Hakan Calhanoglu's corner and flicked a header inside the near post.
It was doubled shortly afterwards when Marcus Thuram teed up Lautaro Martinez to fire an unstoppable effort past Lukasz Skorupski.
Bologna were given a lifeline when Martinez was penalised - after a VAR check - for pulling down Lewis Ferguson as a corner came into the area. Riccardo Orsolini made no mistake from the spot.
Ten minutes after the break Bologna were level when Joshua Zirkzee showed incredible composure to turn on the edge of the Inter area and wrong-foot Yann Sommer before sliding the ball into the opposite corner.
The result means Inter could be surpassed at the top of the table if their city rivals AC Milan win at Genoa on Saturday evening. Bologna have now drawn five of their eight matches in Serie A this season.
Talking point - Result which shows evenness of Serie A
This is not an era which will be looked back on with the affection of the 1980s and early 1990s when almost all the world class players in the world played in Italy, but this has its benefits. One of them, as Inter have found out recently, is even when in fine form, the top sides cannot just chalk up three points when they play at home.
Going two goals down early on would have demoralised many teams, but such is the confidence Thiago Motta has harvested in his side they always played believing they could get back into the game.
Strangely for a team which has only conceded four goals this season, their biggest weakness was from set pieces where Inter could have scored more but this would have been very harsh on Bologna. Motta will be sweating on medical reports on Zirkzee who limped off - he looks capable of lifting them to a high finish.
Player of the match - Lewis Ferguson (Bologna)
What a move this has proved to be for the Scot. Now a year into the side at Bologna, he has become an integral part of this side. His box-to-box energy dovetails perfectly with his team-mates and never seems wanting with the ball at his feet.
A fine effort with his wrong foot was inches away from giving Bologna an early lead, was brought down for Bologna's first and then set up the second. He also set up a chance for Oussama El Azzouzi to win in injury time.
He and Billy Gilmour could make up Scotland's best central midfield pairing for 30 years.
Player ratings
Inter: Sommer 6; Dumfries 6, Pavard 7, Acerbi 7, Bastoni 6, Dimarco 6; Barella 6, Calhanoglu 7, Mkhitaryan 6; Thuram 7, Martinez 7.
Subs: Frattesi 6, Cuadrado 6, Sanchez 6, Augusto 7, Asllani 5.
Bologna: Skorupski 6; De Silvestri 6, Beukema 6, Calafiori 7, Lykogiannis 6; Aebischer 6, Freuler 6, Ferguson 8*; Ndoye 5, Orsolini 7; Zirkzee 7.
Subs: Corazza 6, Azzouzi 6, Hooijdonk 6, Saelemaekers 6.
Match highlights
11' GOAL FOR INTER! Calhanoglu curled a corner into the box and Acerbi met the ball at the front post and guided his header into the net.
13' GOAL FOR INTER! As quickly as that, the game is over as a contest. Thuram teed the ball up for his strike partner and, with time to aim, Martinez strikes at goal and gives the keeper no chance. The new Serie A striker bromance is then displayed as they embrace.
18' PENALTY FOR BOLOGNA! Replays showed Martinez had pulled the Scot Ferguson down. Often don't get given from corners but the foul was there.
19' GOAL FOR BOLOGNA! Orsolini makes no mistake from the spot. Sommer went the right way diving to his left but Orsolini struck firmly just inside the post.
52' GOAL FOR BOLOGNA! And what a goal. So much composure from Zirkzee on the edge of the Inter area. He latched onto Ferguson's through ball then turned and, as Inter defenders backed off, wrong-footed Sommer just stroking the ball into the opposite corner of the net.
Key stat
- 10 - Lautaro Martinez is the first player in Serie A to reach double figures this season.
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