The Serie A season concluded in dramatic fashion at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Saturday, as Bologna and newly crowned champions Inter Milan played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. The match had no bearing on the title — Inter had already secured their 21st Scudetto weeks ago — but it encapsulated the attacking verve and resilience that defined both teams’ campaigns. For Cristian Chivu’s Inter, it was a chance to celebrate a historic domestic double after adding the Coppa Italia to their league triumph. For Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna, it was a final push to secure seventh place, though the European dream slipped away regardless.
Inter drew first blood when Federico Dimarco curled a sublime free-kick past the Bologna wall inside the opening quarter of an hour. The lead lasted barely three minutes, however, as Federico Bernardeschi leveled with a composed finish. Bologna then turned the game on its head before halftime: Tommaso Pobega’s low drive took deflections off Luka Sucic and Lautaro Martinez, wrong-footing the goalkeeper to make it 2-1. After the break, Piotr Zielinski inadvertently headed into his own net to gift Bologna a two-goal cushion, but Inter’s youngsters roared back. Issa Diouf rattled the woodwork, allowing Pio Esposito to tap in his tenth league goal of the season, and then Diouf himself smashed home the equalizer to complete the scoring in a breathless contest.
Despite the late excitement, Inter coach Cristian Chivu’s mind was already drifting toward a well-earned break. “We had to honor the jersey and everything we’ve done this season,” he said. “Those who came on brought energy and belief — I’m happy for Cocchi, Topalovic, Diouf, and Pio, who reached double figures. The young players must keep growing, but they got a taste of Serie A level. You need courage to play them.” Chivu, in his debut season at the helm, masterfully blended experienced heads with emerging talents to deliver two major trophies, echoing the club’s legendary 2010 treble-winning mentality under José Mourinho — though this side is still under construction.
On the injury to Stefan de Vrij, Chivu offered a cautious update: “We don’t know the extent yet, we’re sorry. We hope it’s nothing serious and he recovers in time for the World Cup.” The Dutch defender’s presence will be crucial for both Inter’s 2026-27 plans and his national team’s ambitions in the upcoming global showpiece. Asked who he would support at the World Cup, Chivu joked that he’ll be cheering for his family, “who deserve a month of my time. I’ve been in the blender for a year, from saving Parma to this Inter. My wife and kids are the priority this summer. I’ll try not to be glued to my phone.” The Romanian coach’s light-hearted comments underscore the intensity of a season that began with a relegation escape at Parma and ended with two trophies in Milan.
For Bologna, the campaign closed with a seventh-place finish but no European qualification, a bittersweet outcome for a club that has grown accustomed to continental adventures under Italiano. “We finished the season well, showing we never gave up,” Italiano reflected. “We believed in seventh place, even against strong opponents. The fans recognized it was a long, grueling campaign. We made some mistakes, but we always sweated for the shirt. The Curva’s tribute was thoroughly deserved.” The former Fiorentina boss, who guided Bologna to a Coppa Italia triumph in 2025 and two European journeys, now faces an uncertain future.
Pressed on whether he will remain in charge, Italiano was noncommittal. “It’s not the first time I’m answering this — maybe external pressure creates disturbances,” he said. “Like last year, I’ll meet with the club. Without European cups, we have to do something different and understand what we will aim for. Together with these people, I’ve experienced something indelible that a few defeats can’t erase. We’ve had two wonderful years traveling around Europe, with a Coppa Italia shining at home. We must plan carefully — the people want to keep seeing a great Bologna.” His words hint at a desire for a clear project; without the lure of European football, the club may need to rebuild, possibly without its talismanic coach.
The contrast between the two benches couldn’t be starker. Chivu, having exceeded all expectations, can now bask in the glow of a double and recharge before tackling the challenge of defending both trophies and improving in Europe. Inter’s deep squad, boosted by academy products like Diouf and Esposito, appears ready for another sustained assault. Italiano, on the other hand, stands at a crossroads: after two transformative years, the Bologna project may have hit a ceiling, and a mutual parting could be on the cards if ambitions misalign.
Serie A observers will watch closely. Chivu’s rise from firefighter at Parma to title-winner at Inter in less than twelve months is a fairy tale; his summer will be about rest, not transfer sagas. Meanwhile, Bologna’s hierarchy must decide whether to double down on Italiano’s vision or seek fresh impetus. With several Premier League and Serie A clubs monitoring the situation, Italiano’s next step could be the most consequential move of the Italian summer.
As the curtain falls on a rollercoaster season, the 3-3 thriller served as a fitting microcosm: moments of brilliance, defensive lapses, young stars stepping up, and tactical chess matches. Both Chivu and Italiano leave the Dall’Ara with applause ringing in their ears, but their paths diverge — one toward a well-earned vacation, the other toward a summer of tough conversations. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
