Bologna vs Inter Prediction, Match Preview and Probable Lineups | May 23, 2026
On May 23, 2026, Bologna host Inter in Round 38 of Serie A. With Inter already crowned champions and Bologna no longer realistically involved in the race for European places, both teams enter the final round without major tournament pressure and could deliver a more open contest than usual.
Match Preview
Bologna come into this match after two important consecutive victories. The team first defeated Napoli before securing another impressive win over Atalanta, extending their unbeaten run to 3 matches.
However, a difficult stretch before those results effectively ended Bologna’s hopes of seriously competing for higher positions in the Serie A table. The club currently sit 8th and are unlikely to improve their standing significantly in the final round.
Before the recent positive run, Bologna suffered defeats against Roma and Juventus while also being eliminated from the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals by eventual tournament winners Aston Villa.
Recent home form has not been especially convincing. Across their last 7 home matches in all competitions, Bologna recorded only 1 victory alongside 2 draws and 4 defeats.
Matches involving Bologna have generally followed a cautious pattern this season. Under 2.5 goals landed in 21 of the club’s 37 Serie A matches, while both teams scored in only 16 league fixtures.
Defensively, Bologna have still remained relatively solid overall, recording 12 clean sheets this season.
Interestingly, Bologna also possess a strong recent home record against Inter. Across the last 5 home meetings against the Milan side, Bologna lost only once while recording 3 victories and 1 draw.
Inter, meanwhile, have enjoyed another outstanding campaign. The Milan giants played out a 1-1 draw against Verona in the previous round, although that result carried little significance after the club had already secured the Serie A title. Inter also lifted the Coppa Italia, completing another domestic double.
The team’s overall form remains extremely strong. Inter are unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions, recording 7 victories and 4 draws during that period.
Defensively, the champions continue to look excellent. Inter kept clean sheets in 3 of their previous 4 matches and remain one of the league’s strongest defensive sides overall.
Away form has also been highly impressive, with Inter unbeaten in their last 5 away matches across all competitions.
Offensively, Inter have been the most productive team in Serie A this season, scoring 86 goals in 37 league matches — an average of 2.32 goals per game.
Defensively, the Milan club have also been among the best teams in the division with only 32 goals conceded and 18 clean sheets. Inter scored in 35 of their 37 league matches this season.
Possible Starting Lineups
- Bologna: Skorupski, Joao Mario, Lucumi, Heggem, Miranda, Pobega, Freuler, Ferguson, Orsolini, Rowe, Castro.
- Inter: J. Martinez, Acerbi, Bisseck, Bastoni, Luis Henrique, Barella, Sucic, Carlos Augusto, Zielinski, Lautaro Martinez, Bonny.
Key Points
- Bologna are unbeaten in their last 3 matches.
- Inter are unbeaten in their last 11 matches.
- Inter scored 86 goals in 37 Serie A matches.
- Bologna lost only 1 of their last 5 home matches against Inter.
Head to Head Statistics
Recent meetings between Bologna and Inter have been surprisingly balanced. Across the last 10 head-to-head clashes, Bologna recorded 5 victories, while Inter won only 3 times and 2 matches ended level.
Prediction
Neither side enters this match under major pressure. Inter have already completed a brilliant domestic double and could rotate parts of the squad, while Bologna will simply aim to finish the season positively in front of their home supporters. Despite the recent low-scoring head-to-head trend, this matchup still has the potential to become more open than previous meetings. Bologna remain dangerous offensively at home, while Inter possess the strongest attack in Serie A and continue to score consistently regardless of opponent. Considering the relaxed tournament situation, attacking quality on both sides, and Bologna’s strong historical record in this fixture, both teams look capable of finding the net in an entertaining final-round encounter. Recommended bet: Both Teams To Score — Yes
