Thiago Motta feels the fact Bologna dominated Inter only to suffer a bitter defeat shows they ‘can fight it out with anyone,’ but ‘conceded an avoidable goal.’
Yann Bisseck got the only goal of the game at the Stadio Dall’Ara with a diving header at the back post on Alessandro Bastoni’s cross, having peeled away from Alexis Saelemaekers.
Although they poured forward for the entire second half, the Rossoblu were unable to get back into the match.
“I couldn’t tell you my sensations, there is a strange taste in the mouth after this match. We played a great game against a team in extraordinary form, so to compete against them we had to be totally focused in every area,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.
“When we had the ball, we played well, showed great courage, didn’t allow Inter those dangerous transitions. We conceded an avoidable goal, one we cannot allow in Serie A in general, let alone against a strong opponent like Inter.
“In the second half, there was barely any football allowed, unfortunately this is a tendency in Serie A now. I have to congratulate Inter, because they played the game they wanted to play, the game they had to play in order to win, and deserve everything they’ve got at the moment.”
Bologna and Thiago Motta were very irritable in stoppages over the continual interruptions, which culminated in Marko Arnautovic limping off with a hamstring strain.
“In those five minutes there was hardly any football. We as Bologna cannot do anything about that at the moment. It was a good performance, but to compete against a side like Inter, we had to be 100 per cent concentrated and we didn’t do that on the goal.
“We talked about it during the week and once you go behind to Inter, it becomes very difficult.”
Bologna dominated the second half, not allowing Inter a single shot on goal after the break, but were unable to find a way past Yann Sommer.
“Inter are a great team, they are proving that in every match. They know how to defend deep, if we pump balls into the box then we risk their counter-attacks. They are very physical, so can both press forward and track back quickly.
“It was natural that the first half would be a little more balanced, but going behind to a side like Inter, you run the risk of pouring forward and conceding on the counter with a change of tempo. That could kill off the game, but we kept it open to the very end and unfortunately were unable to get the equaliser.”
This was the 10th consecutive Serie A victory for Inter, who have won all 13 competitive matches in 2024, but Bologna remain in fourth place.
The Rossoblu are also the team who caused Inter the most problems this season, holding them to a 1-1 draw at San Siro and knocking the reigning holders out of the Coppa Italia in extra time.
Does that all represent just how much Bologna have built up a winning mentality under Thiago Motta?
“I have my feet on the ground, I try to remember reality. However, straight after a match I see that we proved we can compete against teams like Inter. That gives us confidence to keep working in the same direction.
“I don’t know if that’s a winning mentality or what, but I sense we can fight it out with anyone. Bologna went head-to-head with a team that is deservedly at the top of the table.”