Dramatic Semi-Final Clash in Riyadh
Bologna has advanced to the final of the Italian Super Cup after defeating Inter Milan in a thrilling penalty shootout on Friday, December 19, 2025. The semi-final match, held at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium (also known as King Saud University Stadium) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ended 1-1 after regular time before Bologna clinched the victory 3-2 on penalties.
The encounter saw Inter Milan take an early lead just two minutes into the game, with Marcus Thuram finding the back of the net. However, Bologna responded in the 35th minute when Riccardo Orsolini successfully converted a penalty kick, leveling the score. Despite chances for both sides, neither team could break the deadlock in regular time, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
In the tense penalty shootout, Bologna's goalkeeper, Federico Ravaglia, emerged as a hero, saving two crucial spot kicks. Bologna converted three of their penalties, with Lews Ferguson, Jonathan Rowe, and the veteran striker Ciro Immobile successfully scoring. Immobile's conversion proved to be the decisive moment, sending Bologna into the final. For Inter, Lautaro Martinez and Stefan de Vrij scored their penalties, but misses from Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and Ange-Yoan Bonny ultimately sealed their fate.
Road to the Final
This qualification marks a significant achievement for Bologna, who secured their spot in the Supercoppa Italiana as the winners of the 2024-25 Coppa Italia, having defeated AC Milan 1-0 in the final on May 14, 2025. The Italian Super Cup is being held in a four-team format for the second consecutive year.
Anticipated Final Against Napoli
Bologna will now prepare to face Napoli in the final on Monday, December 22, 2025, also at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh. Napoli earned their place in the final by defeating AC Milan 2-0 in their semi-final match on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The upcoming final promises to be an exciting contest as both teams vie for the prestigious trophy.
4 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
Inter played so poorly after the early goal. No killer instinct.
Eric Cartman
Incredible! Bologna deserved that win, what a performance!
Stan Marsh
The match was incredibly entertaining, a true showcase of football drama. Still, you have to wonder if the long travel and unfamiliar conditions played a part in the penalty shootout struggles for both teams.
Kyle Broflovski
Bologna's fighting spirit was admirable, especially Ravaglia's saves. However, Inter had several chances to avoid penalties and failed to convert them, which is a concern.