Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, leading his team to the Italian Supercoppa final after a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday.
Ravaglia made crucial saves against Alessandro Bastoni and Ange-Yoan Bonny, while Ciro Immobile scored the decisive penalty, securing a 3-2 victory in the shootout and setting up a clash with Napoli on Monday.
Napoli, the Serie A champions, advanced by defeating AC Milan 2-0 in Thursday’s first semifinal.
The Italian Supercoppa is contested between the winners and runners-up of last season’s Serie A and Coppa Italia, with all matches held in Saudi Arabia.
Inter took an early lead just over a minute into the match when Bastoni made a powerful run from his own half and crossed for Marcus Thuram, who scored with a volley at the far post.
However, Bologna equalized in the 30th minute after a handball by Yann Bisseck in the area resulted in a penalty. Following a VAR review, Riccardo Orsolini successfully converted the penalty.
Bisseck nearly redeemed himself just before halftime, connecting with a cross from Nicolò Barella, but Ravaglia denied his header with a save.
Ravaglia was busy early in the second half, making excellent saves against attempts from Luis Henrique and Federico Dimarco.
Bologna substitute Jonathan Rowe had a chance from a free kick, but his shot went directly at Inter’s goalkeeper Josep Martínez.
Despite Bologna’s efforts, Inter remained threatening with close efforts from Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, and Dimarco, before Ravaglia denied Piotr Zielinski.
Martínez kept Inter in the match by saving a stoppage-time shot from Giovanni Fabbian, but it was Ravaglia’s night as Bologna celebrated their progress.
This report includes information from PA and The Associated Press.