Bologna approach Inter with four points from their opening two matches and a sense that Raffaele Palladino’s first full training week has arrived at the right time. The visit of a side built to challenge for honours will test both the coach’s early work and a group still seeking its first home victory since 12 April, when Lecce were beaten at the Dall’Ara.
A fuller week for Palladino
Palladino had limited preparation after taking charge. Before the Torino match, he had only five sessions with the squad, while the build-up to Lecce was complicated by 12 international absences. This week has given him a more complete opportunity to work with his players before Inter come to Bologna.
The coach wants his side to carry the edge that has defined Bologna in recent seasons, treating the Inter match as more than an early-season fixture.
- Bologna have taken four points from two league matches under Palladino.
- Inter arrive as a powerful opponent expected to compete at the top of the table.
- Palladino sees the occasion as a useful measure of how far his team have developed.
- The club’s home run adds another objective: Bologna have not won at home since defeating Lecce on 12 April.
“This team must play with fire, hunger and the determination it has shown in recent years,” Palladino said. “We want to understand our level of growth, and facing such a strong team, one assembled to win, comes at the right moment.”
Darmian’s standing in the dressing room
Palladino reserved particular praise for Darmian, describing him as a player with the awareness and authority of a coach on the pitch. Darmian is again expected to operate as the right-sided third central defender.
For the Bologna coach, the relationship with experienced players extends beyond selection and match preparation. He said he values conversations with the squad, the chance to understand and protect them, but also the responsibility to challenge them when their attitude falls below the required standard.
“I regard Darmian as a professor,” Palladino said. “He has tactical intelligence and reads situations well; he is like a coach on the field. I like speaking with players, getting to know them, backing them and also correcting them if the approach has not been right. That empathy can become something special. We also discuss tactical ideas, because their views can be very useful.”
Selection questions before Inter
Palladino has already made his goalkeeping decision between Prssina and Skorupski, although he did not disclose it publicly. He stressed that his choice was formed through training performances rather than being influenced by individual errors.
There is also competition in attack, with Enem pushing Piccoli for a place. Piccoli remains the favourite, but Enem’s impact against Lecce has given Palladino another option, including a possible role behind the forward line.
- Prssina and Skorupski are competing for the goalkeeper’s shirt.
- Palladino said the decision was based on training, irrespective of mistakes in previous matches.
- Piccoli is ahead of Enem in the attacking selection contest.
- Enem impressed after coming on against Lecce and scoring, and has also been tried as an attacking midfielder because of his technical quality.
- Darmian is set to continue as the right-sided third centre-back.
“Jay has the enthusiasm that comes with his goal against Lecce,” Palladino said. “He did well when he came on, and I have also used him as a trequartista because of his technique.”
Goals and a home crowd waiting
Bologna’s task is not solely to contain Inter. Palladino wants broader contributions in front of goal, with players from other areas of the pitch adding to the work of the recognised forwards.
“We have to improve our numbers, score through different roles and not only through the strikers,” he said. “We want to win for our supporters.”
That final point gives the afternoon its local weight. Inter bring the larger test, but Bologna also carry a more immediate responsibility: ending the long wait for another league win in front of their own public.
