Inter's Supercoppa Dream Crumbles in Riyadh Penalty Heartbreak

Inter Milan's Supercoppa Italiana journey concluded with a painful penalty shootout defeat against Bologna in Riyadh. The absence of key players for the shootout proved critical, as Hakan Calhanoglu remained an unused substitute, and Piotr Zielinski had to leave the field due to a muscle issue shortly before the decisive moments.

The Italian press was unsparing in its assessment of Inter's performance. La Gazzetta dello Sport labeled the outcome catastrophic, criticizing the players who took responsibility for the penalties. The newspaper noted that the collapse began with the Italian contingent, with Alessandro Bastoni's attempt described as predictable and Nicolò Barella's blasted high over the bar.

Despite Lautaro Martinez successfully converting his penalty, the overall shootout lacked the authority and precision expected from Inter. Coach Cristian Chivu explained that Calhanoglu and Pio Esposito were not brought on solely for penalties to avoid exposing them to undue pressure. Nevertheless, the team's inability to convert crucial spot-kicks led to their exit from the competition.