Bologna 3-3 Inter: Serie A 2025-26 match report

The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara played host to a high-scoring stalemate on Saturday as Bologna and Inter shared the spoils in a 3–3 draw. In a match defined by defensive instability and rapid momentum swings, both Vincenzo Italiano and Cristian Chivu saw their tactical setups tested by a chaotic, end-to-end flow that kept the result in doubt until the final whistle.

The opening exchanges

Inter arrived in Bologna employing their characteristic 3-5-2 formation, looking to control the midfield, while Italiano opted for a 4-3-3 designed to stretch the pitch. The visitors struck first in the 22nd minute through Federico Dimarco, whose presence in the final third provided the breakthrough. However, the lead was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Federico Bernardeschi leveled the score, capitalizing on the home side's immediate response to the setback.

The intensity remained high as the first half neared its conclusion. Lautaro Martínez, operating in the Inter attack, was cautioned in the 41st minute, a moment that preceded a significant defensive lapse for the visitors. Moments later, in the 42nd minute, Tommaso Pobega found the back of the net to put Bologna ahead, sending the home crowd into the interval with a 2–1 advantage.

The decisive moments

The start of the second half proved disastrous for Inter. A defensive miscommunication led to an own goal by Piotr Zieliński in the 48th minute, extending Bologna’s lead to 3–1. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Cristian Chivu moved to refresh his side, introducing Nicolò Barella, Federico Dimarco, and Lautaro Martínez in a triple substitution in the 54th minute.

The changes stabilized the Inter structure, allowing them to regain a foothold in the match. Francesco Esposito reduced the deficit to 3–2 in the 64th minute, providing a platform for a late surge. Bologna attempted to mitigate the mounting pressure by introducing fresh legs, including Remo Freuler and Lorenzo De Silvestri, but the momentum had clearly shifted toward the visitors.

As the match entered the final ten minutes, Inter’s persistence paid off. In the 86th minute, A. Diouf found the equalizer, converting an assist from L. Topalović to bring the score to 3–3. Despite late attempts from both sides to find a winner, the defenses held firm through the closing stages, ensuring that the points were shared in a contest that showcased both the attacking potential and the defensive vulnerabilities of both squads.

Looking ahead

The draw reflects a season of inconsistency for both sides, as defensive lapses continue to undermine their respective ambitions in the Serie A table. For Bologna, the result highlights their ability to compete against top-tier opposition, while Inter will likely reflect on missed opportunities to secure a victory that would have bolstered their standing in the final weeks of the campaign.