Fresh from one of the club’s most successful domestic campaigns in recent history, Inter Milan head to Bologna looking to finish the 2025–26 season with one final statement victory.
The Nerazzurri arrive in Emilia-Romagna having already wrapped up both the Serie A title and Coppa Italia, completing a domestic double for the first time since 2010. Their 21st league crown and 10th Coppa success confirmed a season that firmly established Cristian Chivu as one of the standout managerial stories of the year.
Inter has however, on their official X handle a photo of the squad warming up on the training pitch
Inter’s campaign has been built around attacking football and relentless consistency. They scored at least twice in 26 league matches and opened a commanding gap over their rivals at the top of the table.
There was, however, a small reminder last weekend that perfection remained out of reach.
Despite controlling possession and taking the lead, Inter were held to a frustrating 1–1 draw by relegated Hellas Verona FC after conceding a dramatic late equaliser. Even so, Inter still sit on 86 points and could finish with one of the strongest totals in club history.
The only major disappointment in an otherwise excellent season came in Europe, where their Champions League journey ended earlier than expected against FK Bodø/Glimt.
Hosts Bologna FC 1909 enter the final round with mixed emotions.
Back-to-back victories over SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC showed quality late in the campaign, but a disappointing home record ultimately cost them a realistic shot at European qualification.
Attention has also turned toward the future, with uncertainty surrounding Vincenzo Italiano amid growing reports about a possible departure.
Still, Bologna may take confidence from recent meetings. They have won three of their last four home games against Inter and have eliminated the Nerazzurri from both cup and Supercoppa competitions over the last 18 months.
For Inter, though, the mission is simple — end a title-winning season the same way they spent most of it: by winning.
Team News
Hot on the heels of their cup final victory in Rome, Inter made many changes last weekend, with Chivu offering several squad men a rare start.
This week, he may name a stronger lineup, as the likes of Nicolo Barella and assist king Federico Dimarco return, but some World Cup-bound players will be rested.
Only Hakan Calhanoglu is set to miss out entirely, having been sidelined for the past five games with a thigh injury.
Four goals clear of teammate Marcus Thuram and two others, captain Lautaro Martinez is strong favourite to be crowned Serie A’s Capocannoniere; however, he has yet to score a league goal at Stadio Dall’Ara.
By netting Bologna’s winner last week, Riccardo Orsolini reached double figures for the fourth consecutive Serie A season, despite suffering a long dip in form.
Although Nicolo Casale, Martin Vitik and Nicolo Cambiaghi are still injured, the hosts can recall key defender Jhon Lucumi, who served a one-match ban against Atalanta.
First-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski finally returned to action last weekend, and he should feature between the posts once again.
Possible Lineups
Bologna possible starting lineup:
Skorupski; Mario, Helland, Lucumi, Miranda; Pobega, Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Castro, Rowe
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
J. Martinez; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Bonny, L. Martinez
How to Watch
Fans can watch the match live on different sports channels and streaming platforms depending on their location.
| Channel | Kickoff Time (CEST) | Date |
|---|---|---|
| DAZN | 17:30 | May 23, 2026 |
| ESPN+ (USA) | 11:30 | May 23, 2026 |
Predictions
Softfootball predicts Bologna 1-1 Inter Milan
Now in party mode at the end of another long season, Inter may slip up again particularly as Bologna seem to have rediscovered their spark.
Cristian Chivu is set to sign a new long-term contract with Inter Milan before the end of May 2026.
