Inter’s comeback at Bologna carried another reminder of Carlos Augusto’s growing importance. With the match at the Dall’Ara difficult after the opening 44 minutes, Cristian Chivu turned to the Brazilian in the 69th minute and received an immediate response.
Carlos Augusto scored 49 seconds after entering the pitch, then supplied Bonny as Inter completed another reversal. It was not the fastest substitute goal in the club’s recent history — Edin Dzeko needed 33 seconds against Sassuolo in 2021 — but it underlined the same point: Inter have a player capable of changing the tone of a game from the bench.
Quick facts
- Carlos Augusto scored 49 seconds after coming on against Bologna.
- He also assisted Bonny during Inter’s comeback at the Dall’Ara.
- His current Inter contract runs until 30 June 2028.
- He began the season on the bench for Inter’s first two matches.
- His recent contributions include goals against Real Madrid and Udinese, plus an assist against Napoli.
The Brazilian’s season has moved quickly from a reserve role to something much broader. Initially seen primarily as Federico Dimarco’s deputy on the left, he has increasingly shown that he can also operate in the role usually associated with Alessandro Bastoni.
Against Parma, Carlos Augusto delivered a strong performance on the left side of Inter’s defensive line. At Bologna, he brought a different kind of value: speed, energy and decisive actions in the final third when Chivu needed them most.
His earlier interventions have followed a similar pattern. He set up Marcus Thuram for Inter’s temporary 2-2 against Napoli before Lautaro Martinez made it 3-2. He then scored at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid, while another goal a few days later helped launch Inter’s recovery against Udinese at San Siro.
Those moments have given Chivu reason to increase both his minutes and his starts. Carlos Augusto is no longer merely cover for a regular starter; he has become one of the squad’s most flexible solutions, able to influence matches in different areas of the pitch.
There had been speculation during the summer that he could leave Milan. Juventus were linked with a possible exchange involving Andrea Cambiaso, while Roma and Atletico Madrid were also mentioned as potential destinations.
The former Monza player, however, was not actively seeking an exit from Inter. His consideration was about status: the chance to be a principal figure rather than permanently cast as someone else’s alternative.
Chivu’s handling of the situation has offered that opportunity. Carlos Augusto has been rewarded with greater involvement, and his latest run of performances makes any decision to part with him increasingly hard to justify.
Attention can now turn to his contract. The existing deal expires on 30 June 2028, but his impact has strengthened the case for an extension and a revised salary. For the moment, Inter can enjoy a player who has made himself indispensable without needing a fixed label.
