Bologna vs Inter Milano 17 October 2026 Prediction

Inter will look to respond to their Champions League defeat when they visit Bologna. The Renato Dall’Ara has been a difficult venue for them: Ionuț Radu’s goalkeeping error there in 2022 played a decisive role in their failed title bid, and Inter have won just one of their last five games at the stadium.

Palladino Makes an Unbeaten Start at Bologna

Raffaele Palladino has steadied Bologna since replacing Domenico Tedesco as manager. Bologna are unbeaten in his two competitive games, drawing 1-1 with Torino and beating Lecce 2-1. Inter will be a tougher test, particularly given Bologna’s defensive issues. Young goalkeeper Matteo Pessina made several good saves last time out but looked uncertain coming off his line, which led to the goal Bologna conceded.

Bologna will also be without Riccardo Orsolini on the right. He opened the scoring against Lecce but suffered a muscle injury and is expected to miss about three weeks. Defender Emil Holm remains sidelined as he recovers from surgery. Bologna will need 36-year-old Matteo Darmian to be ready to play against the club where he spent the previous five seasons.

Inter Remain Strong in Serie A

Inter were among the Italian clubs to struggle in the Champions League this week, losing 4-3 at home to Club Brugge. Their Serie A form has been much better: the defending champions have taken 16 points from their first six games. Roma, also in the title race, are the only domestic opponent to have held Inter, drawing 2-2. Inter have led Serie A in scoring for four straight seasons and currently lead the league in expected goals, averaging 2.82 xG per game.

Fatigue and squad rotation could help Bologna. Inter played in Europe this week and have another Champions League game next Wednesday, leaving manager Cristian Chivu with a busy schedule to manage. Injuries are also a concern. New arrivals Curtis Jones and John Stones remain sidelined, though neither has yet become a key part of the team. Captain Lautaro Martínez has joined them on the injury list after scoring four Serie A goals this season.

Bologna vs Inter Predicted Lineup

Bologna (3-4-3): Pessina; Darmian, Heggem, Theate; Zortea, Pobega, Ferguson, Miranda; Bernardeschi, Piccoli, Cambiaghi.

Unavailable: Holm, Orsolini (injured); Mbangula (doubtful).

Manager: Raffaele Palladino.

Inter (3-5-2): Provedel; Pavard, Bisseck, Bastoni; Spence, Barella, Stanković, Sučić, Augusto; Esposito, Thuram.

Unavailable: Stones, Jones, L. Martínez (injured).

Manager: Cristian Chivu.

Bologna vs Inter Prediction: Inter Handicap -1.5

Main prediction: Inter have had trouble in some high-profile games under Chivu, but they have won all three matches against teams outside Serie A’s top 10 this season. Bologna are in that group and are still adjusting to Palladino’s approach. His teams use a man-oriented press, and his previous sides have lost four of their last six meetings with Inter. The pick is Inter -1.5 handicap at 2.57.

Goals prediction: Inter’s loss to Club Brugge exposed defensive problems that Bologna could exploit. Bologna have scored in both games under Palladino, while three of Inter’s last four matches have featured at least four goals. That supports a bet on over 3.5 goals at 2.58.