The result extended Inter’s strong start to the league campaign, taking Cristian Chivu’s side to 19 points from seven matches and keeping them at the top of the table. The visitors responded impressively after Tommaso Pobega gave Bologna an early lead.
Pobega puts Bologna ahead
Bologna started brightly and took the lead in the 10th minute when Pobega capitalised on a defensive mistake involving Inter’s Luis Henrique before firing the ball into the net.
The goal gave the hosts confidence, and Pobega continued to threaten from distance. He came close to extending Bologna’s advantage, including an effort that struck the crossbar, as Inter struggled to settle into the contest.
Inter were without captain Lautaro Martínez, who was injured, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu was also left out of the starting line-up. Chivu’s team needed a response before the break to prevent Bologna from taking control.
Thuram restores parity before half-time
Inter gradually found their rhythm and increased their attacking pressure towards the end of the first half.
Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute. Nicolò Barella delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Thuram rose above the Bologna defence to direct a powerful header into the corner.
The equaliser changed the mood of the contest and sent the teams into half-time level at 1-1. Inter also came close to taking the lead before the interval, but Bologna goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski produced an important save to deny Pio Esposito.
Carlos Augusto completes the turnaround
Inter returned from the break with greater urgency, and Chivu’s substitutions helped shift the balance of the match.
Carlos Augusto made the difference in the 71st minute, arriving at the far post to convert a low delivery from Piotr Zieliński and give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
The goal rewarded Inter’s improved second-half performance and put Bologna under pressure to find another equaliser. The hosts attempted to respond, but Inter defended their advantage while looking for opportunities to finish the contest.
Bonny puts the result beyond doubt
Inter secured the victory in the 84th minute through substitute Bonny, who finished a flowing attacking move after Carlos Augusto supplied the final pass.
The goal capped an effective contribution from the substitutes, with Carlos Augusto involved in both the second and third goals. Inter managed the closing stages to complete a convincing comeback and claim their sixth league win of the season.
Inter maintain their position at the summit
The victory moved Inter to 19 points, two clear of second-placed Roma at the end of Saturday’s action. It was also a timely response after their midweek Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.
Chivu will be encouraged by his team’s ability to recover from an early setback and make effective use of the bench. Thuram’s equaliser restored belief, while Carlos Augusto and Bonny made decisive contributions after the break.
Bologna, meanwhile, will regret failing to protect their lead after a promising first half. The defeat also marked the first loss for their coach, Raffaele Palladino, in charge of the club.
Inter will now look to carry their domestic momentum into their next fixtures as they pursue the Serie A title.
Match details
• Serie A: Bologna 1-3 Inter Milan
• Bologna: Tommaso Pobega 10'
• Inter Milan: Marcus Thuram 44', Carlos Augusto 71', Ange-Yoan Bonny 84'
• Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna
• Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026