Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908The Italian midfielder urged his teammates to put their best level into play.
Advertisement
Bologna surprised AC Milan in last season’s Coppa Italia final, winning their first trophy in 51 years.
Therefore, Vincenzo Italiano’s men have their place reserved in the Italian Super Cup for the first time.
However, adding to your dusty trophy case could prove to be quite a herculean task.
In fact, the Rossoblu must overcome a familiar enemy, Inter, in the semi-finals.
Despite their underdog status heading into the match, Bologna can take confidence from their recent record against the Nerazzurri.
Italiano’s pupils have avoided defeat in five of the last six meetings between both teams.
Therefore, they will probably take the field with optimism, seeking to stop Cristian Chivú to win his first title as coach of Inter.
Advertisement
Bologna midfielder Tommaso Pobega greets Inter Milan
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 22: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale celebrates with the EA Sports FC Italian Super Cup Final trophy at full time following the victory in the EA Sports FC Italian Super Cup final match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Al-Awwal Stadium on January 22, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Pobega graduated from AC Milan’s academy, meaning he will have extra incentive to hinder Inter’s title chase in Riyadh.
However, the 26-year-old insists he doesn’t think that way.
“I’m not thinking about that, but about facing this semifinal,” Pobega said.
Advertisement
“There is a strong desire to play it and win.
“Have Bologna beaten the Nerazzurri often lately? Chivu’s team is intense, physical and technical.
“And we need to raise some of our performance standards, multiply our focus.
“They know how to face certain moments and we face them with the idea of highlighting our strengths, being in the game at all times and always aspiring to be better.”
Bologna beat Inter in their last meeting, claiming a narrow 1-0 victory at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in April.
However, this will be the first clash between the two teams since Chivu took charge of the Nerazzurri.