Serie A Weekend Preview: Inter Milan Takes On Bologna In Supercoppa As Juventus Battles Roma

‎Italian football delivers a packed weekend of high-stakes encounters, with attention split between Saudi Arabia and domestic action back home.

‎While four of Serie A’s heavyweights head to Riyadh for the Supercoppa Italiana, others seize the opportunity to gain ground in the league before Christmas.

‎Inter Milan vs Bologna: Supercoppa Dreams in Riyadh

‎Inter Milan and Bologna face off on Friday evening in Riyadh, with a place in the Supercoppa Italiana final at stake.

‎For Bologna, this marks their first-ever appearance in the competition, while Inter aim to erase the memory of last season’s dramatic final defeat to city rivals AC Milan.

‎That loss proved costly, setting the tone for Inter’s struggles in both the Scudetto race and the Champions League. However, the arrival of Cristian Chivu has ushered in a revival.

‎Inter now sit at the top of Serie A, boasting 11 wins from 15 matches and the league’s most prolific attack.

‎A dozen different players have already found the net, emphasizing their depth and attacking cohesion.

‎Captain Lautaro Martinez has rediscovered his sharpest form, scoring four goals across Inter’s last three league outings.

‎As the Supercoppa’s all-time top scorer, his influence looms large once again as Inter chase their first silverware of the campaign.

‎Bologna, though, is no pushover. Since suffering a heavy defeat in 2022, they have lost just once in five meetings with the Nerazzurri.

‎Their Coppa Italia triumph over Milan last season ended a 51-year wait for major honours, and under Vincenzo Italiano, they continue to punch above their weight.

‎Despite recent defensive frailties and key absentees, Bologna possesses players capable of unsettling Inter, notably Riccardo Orsolini, who has consistently delivered against this opposition.

‎Yet with Inter’s attacking firepower and growing momentum, the Milanese side appear favourites to edge a tight contest.

‎Juventus vs Roma: 

‎While rivals contest the Supercoppa, Juventus and Roma lock horns in Turin knowing this fixture could significantly shape the top-four picture. Both teams arrive on the back of morale-boosting wins, and with Inter, Napoli, and Milan temporarily distracted, the incentive to capitalise is clear.

‎Juventus has shown signs of revival under Luciano Spalletti. A midweek Champions League win was followed by a hard-fought league victory over Bologna, with substitute Juan Cabal proving the unlikely hero.

‎That result lifted the Bianconeri to fifth place and extended their strong home form.

‎Historically, this fixture heavily favours Juventus, especially in Turin. Roma have won just once in their last ten Serie A meetings with Juve, and the hosts have kept an impressive number of clean sheets in recent home clashes.

‎Roma, however, arrives with confidence of their own. Despite enduring a recent scoring drought, Monday’s narrow win over Como restored belief.

‎Gian Piero Gasperini’s side still boasts Serie A’s meanest defence and an exceptional away record in 2025.

‎Goals remain a concern for both sides. Key attackers on either team are struggling for form, and with defensive discipline likely to dominate proceedings, this encounter could hinge on a single decisive moment.

‎Lazio vs Cremonese: 

‎Back in Rome, Lazio welcome Cremonese after one of the most remarkable wins of their season. Reduced to nine men at Parma, the Biancocelesti somehow emerged victorious thanks to a late strike from Tijjani Noslin, reinforcing their growing reputation for resilience under Maurizio Sarri.

‎Lazio’s home form has been particularly strong, and they boast a dominant historical record against Cremonese at the Olimpico.

‎With goalkeeper Ivan Provedel leading the league in clean sheets, defensive solidity continues to underpin their progress.

‎Cremonese, meanwhile, have exceeded expectations following promotion. Sitting comfortably in mid-table, they have already claimed notable scalps this season.

‎However, recent form has dipped, and their attacking duo failed to make an impact last weekend in Turin.

‎With Lazio missing several key players due to suspension, injury, and international duty, this contest may be tighter than expected. Still, home advantage and defensive organisation could once again prove decisive.

‎Sassuolo vs Torino: 

‎Sunday’s meeting between Sassuolo and Torino brings together two unpredictable mid-table sides seeking consistency. Sassuolo continued to impress last weekend with a spirited draw against AC Milan, once again showcasing their knack for late goals.

‎Fabio Grosso’s side have been one of the surprise packages of the season, particularly among newly promoted teams.

‎Their attacking intent and resilience have earned them valuable points, even against elite opposition.

‎History, however, suggests this fixture rarely produces a winner. Draws have been common at the Mapei Stadium, and Torino traditionally fare well in Reggio Emilia.

‎Torino finally ended a lengthy winless run last week, edging past Cremonese thanks to Nikola Vlasic. That result lifted pressure on Marco Baroni’s side, though their away form remains a concern as they head into their final road trip of the year.

‎With both teams missing key players and neither side renowned for control, another evenly balanced encounter appears likely.