Beppe Bergomi Names Inter’s Missing Piece After Supercoppa Defeat

While Inter Milan’s Italian Super Cup elimination by Bologna may have looked like a surprise, Beppe Bergomi argued it exposed recurring problems for the Nerazzurri.

What Beppe Bergomi says Inter are missing as problems arise

Speaking on Rai’s Radio Anch’io Sport, the Inter legend said the Nerazzurri play well, yet often stumble in decisive clashes.

In Riyadh, Inter struck after two minutes through Marcus Thuram, but they allowed Bologna to get back into the game.

A Yann Bisseck handball gifted Riccardo Orsolini a 35th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

Bologna held on for a final score of 1-1 at full time, and eventually won 3-2 on penalties.

For Bergomi, it was less about bad luck and more about familiar “structural” defects that reappear under pressure.

Bergomi said Inter’s midfield is full of “number tens” who pass cleanly, but lack physicality when matches become scrappy.

He noted Inter chased Roma’s Manu Kone in summer to add muscle, a sign the concern has been there for months.

“In midfield, Inter have all number tens who pass the ball well,” Bergomi said when asked what is missing from the Inter setup.

“And in fact this summer the main target was Roma’s Kone, to add some physicality when matches get messy.”

Bergomi also wants a faster one-against-one attacker who can “also play in open play”.

At the back, Bergomi argued Inter need a defender with recovery speed, especially when the high line leaves space behind.

He also called Denzel Dumfries’ absence “heavy”, even more than Calhanoglu’s, but said Zielinski is “doing very well”.

Dumfries underwent surgery earlier this month and isn’t expected back until February.

Speculation has been doing the rounds, linking Fiorentina defender Dodo with an Inter move.

Supercoppa lesson, and the danger ahead

Bologna’s equaliser came from a single error, yet Inter’s bigger failure was not putting the tie to bed while on top.

Cristian Chivu’s charges had the early lead, the control, and enough chances to make the second goal feel inevitable.

However, they couldn’t land a finishing blow, and Vincenzo Italiano’s charges made them pay for it.

Inter rotated in Riyadh, leaving Lautaro Martinez out initially, and the lack of a ruthless edge showed as Bologna grew into the game.

When the tempo dipped, Inter’s grip loosened, and the match became the kind of scrap that suits a hungry underdog.

Bergomi was asked whether the Milan sides – both of whom were knocked out – underestimated their opponents.

“Remember when Inzaghi was criticised for always playing the same players?” he replied.

“Chivu is trying to involve everyone, to get the whole squad up to speed.

“At this stage, that matters as much as the system.”

He also pointed to Milan’s defeat as a warning sign.

“Milan faced a Napoli team that exposed their difficulties in open defence and showed superior competitive spirit,” he said.

Inter return to Serie A with Atalanta next, where the Nerazzurri’s issues will again be put to the test without the lottery of penalties to hide behind.

Atalanta will run, press and punish any complacency. If Inter switch off for even a short spell, they may not get another chance to recover.