Bologna vs Inter Prediction, H2H Stats & Statistical Bets 17 October 2026
📢 In the seventh round of Serie A, Bologna host Inter at the Renato Dall'Ara. The home side have not lived up to expectations so far: their start to the season has been disjointed, and it was only last weekend that they picked up their first win and climbed out of the relegation zone. The reigning Italian champions, despite sitting at the top of the table, have also been inconsistent, and a few days ago they suffered an unexpected defeat in the Champions League. It will be interesting to see how that painful loss affects the Nerazzurri's mood.
🔁 This prediction is updated on matchday. Keep an eye on the Latest News section.
Bologna continue to be a tough opponent for Inter
📊 The head-to-head record between Bologna and Inter spans 43 matches in recent years, with a clear advantage for the Milan club: Inter have won 25 times, while Bologna have come out on top on just 9 occasions, with another 9 ending in draws. Last season produced plenty of memorable moments between the two sides. In the first half of the Serie A campaign, Inter won 3-1 at home, while the return fixture in Bologna, played in round 38, ended in a six-goal thriller at 3-3. The two sides also met in the Italian Super Cup semi-final in mid-December, where normal time finished 1-1 and Bologna held their nerve in the penalty shootout, winning 3-2.
Head-to-head statistics Bologna - Inter
Bologna have finally snapped their prolonged winless streak
Bologna go into this match in good spirits, even though their start to the new season was frankly dismal. They went five rounds without a win, losing three times and drawing twice. Before their previous match, the club were actually in the relegation zone, which looks all the more surprising given how well they have performed in recent years. Last weekend, though, Bologna finally ended that run. They travelled to Lecce and picked up their first league win of the season, 2-1.
That result lifted the Rossoblu out of the relegation zone and eased some of the pressure that had been building with each poor result. It is worth noting that, despite all their difficulties, Bologna had gone into the match as favourites. On the pitch, however, things were far from straightforward: Lecce had more of the ball (57% to 43%) and had significantly more shots (19-10). But Lecce's territorial dominance was misleading. Bologna were sharper and created better chances, as the expected goals figures confirm - 1.84 xG to Lecce's 1.21. So, despite being outplayed on most general metrics, Bologna's win can be considered a fair result.
Match Results: Bologna
Inter are strong going forward, but they remain vulnerable at the back
Inter's matches this season have certainly not been short on entertainment. Goals in abundance, defensive errors, remarkable comebacks - all of this has become routine for the reigning Italian champions. The Nerazzurri regularly produce genuine football spectacles, often not entirely by choice. Even so, despite that inconsistency, the team have continued to pick up points and remain in contention at the top. Last weekend Inter finally put together a near-perfect performance, giving Parma no chance at home and winning 3-0. Roma's slip-up on the same day allowed the Nerazzurri to move to the top of the Serie A table.
It seemed as though the team were beginning to sort out their defensive problems, but midweek brought a return to familiar territory. Inter suffered a shock Champions League defeat at home to Belgian side Club Brugge, losing 4-3. Inter had been considered overwhelming favourites, so the result came as a genuine shock to supporters. The attack was hard to fault: the club had 30 shots and generated an impressive 4.14 xG. The defence, however, was another story. Inter allowed Brugge 18 shots and 3.57 xG - catastrophic figures for a home match against opponents they clearly outclassed.
Match Results: Inter Milano
Latest news
Bologna
❌ Bologna have two confirmed absentees ahead of the match. Emil Holm and Riccardo Orsolini remain sidelined with injuries, while Arthur Theate, Jens Odgaard and Samuel Mbangula are doubtful.
Inter Milano
❌ Inter have two absentees: Curtis Jones and Lautaro Martínez are both out through injury. The Argentine's absence is a major problem given his importance to the team's attack. John Stones' availability also remains in doubt.
Predicted Lineups
📋 Bologna predicted starting XI: Pessina - Theate, Casale, Heggem - Miranda, Pobega, Ferguson, Zortea - Piccoli, Bernardeschi - Cambiaghi.
📋 Inter predicted starting XI: J. Martínez - Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni - Diouf, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Zieliński, Dimarco - Thuram, F. Esposito.
⚽️ Goals prediction
Despite Inter's high-scoring recent matches, head-to-head meetings with Bologna rarely turn into goal fests. In 12 of the last 13 meetings at the home of the rossoblu, no more than three goals were scored. In the upcoming match, the hosts will likely focus on defensive solidity, looking to close down space and contain Inter's powerful attack. We're not expecting a high-scoring game. Our bet is Total Goals - Under 3.5 at 1.53*.
🚩 Corners prediction
Corners have rarely been plentiful in Inter's away matches in Serie A: in 7 of their last 8 away games, no more than ten corners were recorded. We expect this trend to continue and are backing Total Corners - Under 10.5 at 1.42*.
🟨 Yellow cards prediction
Bologna have played fairly aggressively this season, picking up an average of 1.7 yellow cards per Serie A match. Inter are no strangers to bookings either, averaging 1.3 per game. Given the competitive nature of this fixture and the high league motivation of both sides, we're expecting a tense, physical contest with regular fouls. Our bet is Total Yellow Cards - Over 2.5 at 1.55*.
🚀 Player statistic bet
Due to Lautaro Martínez’s injury, Marcus Thuram will have to take on the role of Inter’s main striker. The Frenchman needs goals right now to boost his confidence, and against Bologna, which is not very reliable defensively, he will have a great opportunity to score. Therefore, we are betting on Marcus Thuram to Score at 2.27*.
😱 Risky bet
Bologna are capable of dragging Inter into a tight, closed-off game and denying them the space they're used to attacking into. On top of that, the Milanese side played an extremely demanding match against Bruges in midweek, expending considerable energy and effort. The hosts could take advantage of Inter's fatigue, slow the game down and keep dangerous moments to a minimum. So it's worth taking a risk on Total Goals - Under 1.5 at 4.60*.
🎯 Safe bet
Inter fans have almost forgotten what a Serie A defeat looks like. The team have shown impressive consistency and have gone unbeaten in 31 of their last 32 league matches. Even when things aren't going smoothly, the Milanese find a way through difficult situations and get the result they need. So backing Inter not to lose at 1.17* is a reasonable option.
👀 If the match doesn't go to script
Although head-to-head meetings between these sides don't tend to be high-scoring, this match could easily take a different turn. If Inter score early, Bologna will be forced to open up and push forward, which will inevitably create chances at both ends. In that case, an alternative bet worth considering is Total Goals - Over 3.5 at 2.52*.
*Odds are indicative and may vary across different bookmakers.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The bookmakers have Inter as favourites for this match, and we fully agree with that assessment. Following their shock defeat to Bruges in the Champions League, the Nerazzurri will be highly motivated to make it up to their supporters. Inter have also just reclaimed top spot in Serie A and are clearly not looking to give it up so quickly. Bologna are some way from their best form at the moment and will find it difficult to take anything from this game. Our main bet is an Inter win. Predicted score: 0-1.
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Betting Tips: Bologna - Inter Milano
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