Serie A Title Race: Inter's Chivu Says Differences Are Minimal Among Contenders

Inter move into their Serie A clash with Bologna knowing three points at San Siro could send Inter top of the table. Inter sit two points behind leaders AC Milan and still own a game in hand, so a win against seventh-place Bologna would increase pressure on city rivals in the Scudetto race.

The Nerazzurri also defend strong league form, with four straight victories placing Inter firmly among the title favourites. Roma, Juventus and Napoli remain in contention as well, keeping the top of Serie A tight and ensuring little margin for error for Inter ahead of Sunday night.

Inter face competition from Roma, Juventus and reigning champions Napoli, with Antonio Conte suggesting Napoli’s rivals are currently better organised than Napoli. Cristian Chivu

is not interested in the debate around those comments and prefers to remove Inter from any public argument while the Scudetto contest stays open between five clubs.

"The way I've always seen football, as a player and as a coach, talks and controversies are external to the game and bring nothing, he said. They don't affect the final result; they are useless. They have little impact, except at a media level, and have nothing to do with this sport. Personally, I laugh when theres too much talk about things that have nothing to do with reality; they actually make me focus even more on my work. All we can say is that, at the moment, five teams are fighting for the Scudetto, and the differences are minimal. "

Attention now turns to Bologna, who have not won in four league games but remain a demanding opponent. Despite Bologna’s recent run, Chivu warns that Inter must approach this fixture with care because Bologna’s structure and style can trouble stronger opponents and disrupt rhythm at San Siro.

"We know it's a tricky game against a team that puts everyone in trouble because they have identity and intensity, he added. Bologna put obstacles in your way, even in simple situations. They have strong wingers on inverted feet, and midfielders with physical presence. They also know how to go man-to-man; they have legs and good timing, and determination. Even if you beat the first line of pressure, many of them track back, so we need to be careful and do some things better, with a strong sense of responsibility. I like it when my players show courage and risk committing a foul to win the ball back. "

Back in action tomorrowpic.twitter.com/dQJjLnvSleInter(@Inter_en) January 3, 2026

Inter vs Bologna prediction and key players to watch

Lautaro Martinez continues to lead Inter’s attack and stands on nine league goals this season. One more strike against Bologna would give Martinez double figures in a seventh different Serie A campaign. For Inter, only Giuseppe Meazza and Benito Lorenzi, with nine seasons, plus Alessandro Altobelli, with eight, have recorded more such campaigns.

Riccardo Orsolini provides Bologna’s main attacking threat and has enjoyed recent success against Inter. Orsolini and Martinez each scored 15 Serie A goals during 2025, finishing that calendar year as joint-top scorers. Orsolini has five goal contributions in his last six league matches against Inter, after eight earlier meetings without involvement.

Inter vs Bologna prediction and form guide data

Inter chase a fifth successive Serie A win for the first time this season and remain without a draw across 16 league fixtures, with 12 wins and four defeats. Inter have also won their first Serie A match of every calendar year since 2020, a run of six such games, and aim to extend that streak against Bologna.

Bologna’s record in opening league matches of a year is far less positive, with only one victory from the last 13 attempts. That win came at San Siro against AC Milan in 2016. Under Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna are winless in four league matches, and only once under Italiano have Bologna had a longer run without victory, a six-game spell between April and August.

The underlying data points towards an Inter success, with the prediction model favouring the home side. Analysts still give Bologna some chance due to tactical organisation, yet current form, attacking numbers and historical trends all place Inter as clear favourites for this important Scudetto race fixture.

Outcome	Opta win probability
Inter win	63.4%
Draw	17%
Bologna win	19.6%