Fresh off an energy-sapping Champions League quarterfinal with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan didn’t let up. The Nerazzurri immediately threw themselves into double training sessions on April 18 and 19 at the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile. Manager Simone Inzaghi wasn’t taking any shortcuts, especially with a top-four clash looming large against Bologna. This is a team racing against time, fighting to stay on Napoli’s heels in the Serie A title chase.
What did these sessions look like? On Friday, Inzaghi got right to the heart of the matter. The focus? Overcoming Bologna’s thick, organized defensive block and their tough midfield. The Rossoblù aren’t the mid-table side of years past. They’ve climbed into Serie A’s elite by shutting teams down and dominating the engine room. So, Inter’s drills revolved around quick passing out wide, rehearsing clever one-twos near the box, and stretching Bologna’s lines to create room for Lautaro Martínez and Joaquín Correa—two strikers who’ve become essentials in Inzaghi’s playbook.
Saturday’s work dialed up the tempo. The mood was intense but focused. After tactical walk-throughs, players moved into high-repetition drills designed to mimic real game situations. You could see Correa sweating through sharp finishing routines, while Lautaro worked on losing his marker for those split-second chances that often prove decisive. Wingbacks practiced rapid transitions, knowing Bologna’s counterattack can punish any hesitation.
Although the Champions League exertions were still fresh in everyone’s legs, Inzaghi resisted calls to heavily rotate the squad. Instead, he stuck with a similar lineup to that which faced Bayern. The philosophy? Trust in rhythm and chemistry, especially when the team is locked in a crucial rhythm of must-win games. Inzaghi underscored this by keeping his trusted core in attack and midfield, choosing stability over risk with new faces. Of course, player recovery became just as vital as tactical preparation; medical staff worked alongside coaches, ensuring the squad’s legs would respond on matchday.
This approach wasn’t just about habits. The stakes are sky-high. Inter trails Napoli by a slim margin, and any slip-up against rivals like Bologna could swing the title race in a heartbeat. The Bolognese, under their determined manager, have shown they’re more than just spoilers—they’re legitimate dark horses, upsetting bigger names with a blend of iron defense and shrewd game management.
Fans will be watching closely when Inter faces Bologna at 18:00 CEST on April 20. This isn’t just any league fixture. For Inter, every point is precious; for Bologna, every scalp cements their status among the best. With preparation this intense, the showdown is set to be a test of not just skill, but grit, discipline, and tactical nous.
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