Competition: Italian Coppa Italia 2016-17
Date: Tuesday, 17th January, 20:00 GMT
Stadium: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro).
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Preview
Inter Milan’s awful start to the season has already blown their hopes of European success, after they went out of the Europa League at the group stage. However, the Nerazzurri are in fantastic form and they’re back on the hunt for one of the top spots in Serie A. They’re up to sixth, just five points behind the Champions League spots. It’s a huge turnaround after their terrible start, but the league isn’t the only front they’re competing on.
The Coppa Italia could be their path to glory this season, plus it’s another road back in to Europe. This would certainly be a great way for Stefano Pioli to make his mark at the San Siro. While he has straightened up their league form, delivering their first trophy in six years would make for a strong finish to the campaign. His Inter side are heavy favourites to progress to the quarter-finals this week, when they host a struggling Bologna side.
Inter have won 70% of their home matches in Serie A this season, while Bologna have lost 50% of their away trips. It’s easy to see why the bookies are making the hosts heavy favourites for this encounter. However, the visitors do have a chance going forward, as the Nerazzurri are far from unbeatable at the back.
The hosts have conceded in three of their last five at the San Siro, despite putting together an impressive winning run. They’ve let in a goal in 75% of their league matches, which is a problem that Pioli is still trying to fix. Meanwhile, Bologna have found the net in seven of their last 10 on the road. They should be used to playing away from home, given that their last three fixtures have all been away trips.
The fact that this is a cup game should mean that Bologna face a slightly weakened Inter side. Even if they don’t, they should still be confident of troubling the Nerazzurri’s back line. The visitors have scored in seven straight trips to Inter, and they’ll be looking to extend that run. The hosts have seen both teams score in 70% of their league outings at the San Siro this term, so we’re backing both teams to score in this clash at 19/20 with bet365
HEAD TO HEAD
Inter have won two, drew three and lost one of their last six games against Bologna. These two played out a 1-1 draw in September last year.
INTER MILAN VS BOLOGNA STATS
71% of Inter’s home league games have been won by two or more goals. 80% of Bologna’s away defeats have been by a two goal margin or greater. 72% of Bologna’s goals against have come away from home.
INTER MILAN TEAM NEWS
Inter should have a fully fit squad ahead of this game, although they could rotate their side.
BOLOGNA TEAM NEWS
Bologna are likely to be without midfielder Saphir Taïder, as well as forwards Simone Verdi and Umar Sadiq.
Prediction: Both team to score , Inter Milan Win
