Vincenzo Italiano praises Bologna after penalty shoot-out win over Inter

Inter took an early lead as Marcus Thuram scored after just 73 seconds, leaving the Rossoblu with a tough task. Bologna responded through Riccardo Orsolini, who converted a penalty after Yann Bisseck handled the ball in the box. The scores were tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time and eventually penalties.

"It was not easy for Bologna to fight back from that start, but we kept our heads and managed to equalise. I felt our first half was excellent," Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano said. "Inter were stronger in the second, so one half each made the draw a fair result, and then penalties are always a lottery."

The shoot-out was a tense affair, with five consecutive misses adding to the drama before veteran striker Ciro Immobile converted the decisive spot-kick. "This is why we signed Ciro, to score penalties like that," Italiano said. "He came off the bench as the fifth man because he's so used to these situations.

"He was out for a long time but has been back in the squad for a month or so, and he was decisive, just as he has been over the years."

Italiano acknowledged the challenge of facing a team of champions. "When Inter take control, it is hard to get the ball off them. We lost intensity in the second half and they raised the pressure, so every counter we tried was blocked.

"We were pinned back for long periods, but going behind early gave us the extra drive to fight on every ball in the first half. Our style means we attack to defend, but it's tough to maintain for 90 minutes."

Bologna's recent Serie A win over Napoli shows the final is far from settled. After surprising Inter, the Rossoblu will head into the Riyadh showdown full of confidence and momentum.

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