A dramatic late goal from Riccardo Orsolini secured a 1-0 victory for Bologna over Inter Milan in a Serie A clash on Sunday, dealing a significant setback to the reigning champions’ title ambitions.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when a long throw-in from Bologna was inadvertently flicked on by an Inter defender.
Orsolini reacted swiftly, executing a stunning bicycle kick to clinch all three points for the home side.
Despite the defeat, Inter remain at the summit of the Serie A table with 71 points after 33 games. However, their lead is now precarious as Napoli drew level on points following a narrow 1-0 triumph at struggling Monza the previous day.
The Nerazzurri are heading into a critical 10-day stretch, starting with a high-stakes Coppa Italia semi-final against fierce rivals AC Milan on Wednesday.
After that, they host AS Roma in the league and then travel to Spain for a Champions League semi-final showdown with Barcelona on April 30.
Bologna, meanwhile, have strengthened their bid for a Champions League berth, climbing provisionally to fourth place with 60 points, one ahead of Juventus, who play away at relegation-threatened Parma on Monday.
Returning to Europe’s top-tier competition for the first time in six decades, Bologna are also eyeing domestic silverware. They welcome Empoli for the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on Thursday, holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg.
Unfazed by Inter’s title credentials, Bologna came close to scoring in the 28th minute when Thijs Dallinga fired from close range, only for the ball to deflect off Benjamin Pavard and narrowly miss the target.
Opportunities were scarce in a tightly contested game, with each team managing just one shot on target deep into the match.
The tension rose in the second half, culminating in the dismissals of Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano and Inter assistant coach Massimiliano Farris.
Inter nearly found the breakthrough through Mehdi Taremi late in the game, but Juan Miranda made a crucial block to keep the scores level.
Just as the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, substitute Orsolini delivered a moment of brilliance—netting his 12th goal of the campaign.
He now shares a spot on the scoring charts with Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku.
Although Inter had not lost since mid-February, the result highlights their recent struggles away from home, having won just once in their last seven Serie A road matches.
