By Daniel Edu

Inter Milan, the two-time holders, suffered a shock exit from the Italian Cup last 16 on Wednesday as Bologna secured a last-gasp 2-1 victory in extra time at the San Siro. The defeat sets up a quarter-final clash between Bologna and Fiorentina.

Carlos Augusto opened the scoring for Serie A leaders Inter, but Bologna’s defender Sam Beukema and attacker Dan Ndoye found the net in the second half of extra time, leading their team to victory. Bologna, managed by former Inter midfielder Thiago Motta, joins Fiorentina, Lazio, and Frosinone in the last eight. Frosinone had beaten league champions Napoli 4-0 on Tuesday.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi made several changes to his lineup during a busy festive period, opting to rest key players such as playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu and in-form attacker Marcus Thuram.

Despite Inter’s first-half dominance, Bologna came closest to scoring in the 13th minute when Giovanni Fabbian tested Inter’s Emil Audero with a volley. Inter had their chances, with Davide Frattesi’s shot saved by Federico Ravaglia after half an hour.

In the second half, Lautaro Martinez missed a penalty for Inter after Tommaso Corazza’s handball. Martinez had another opportunity to score, but his effort went over the crossbar.

Inter finally broke the deadlock in the first half of extra time as Carlos Augusto headed home from a corner. However, Bologna responded with a goal from Sam Beukema and a winner from Dan Ndoye, securing a surprise victory.

Bologna’s triumph eliminates Inter Milan from the Italian Cup, marking a surprising turn of events in the knockout stage.