Inter Milan went into their Coppa Italia quarter-final with Bologna as big favourites to secure a place in the final four.
Bologna named an attacking lineup but despite dominating possession they trailed at the break thanks to a thunderbolt form Freddy Guarin.
Substitute Rodrigo Palacio looked to have put the tie to bed with a composed strike ten minutes from time but that goal signaled the start of a brilliant finale.
Alessandro Diamanti scored a free kick before Manolo Gabbiadini converted from close range to send the math to extra time. With just one minute left of the additional 30 Inter found a winner when Andrea Ranocchia headed home to send the home side through.
Relive a pulsating cup-tie full of drama with Sports Mole's live text commentary below.
Hello European football fans. The winter break is well and truly over across the continent and tonight we enter the business end of the Coppa Italia as Inter Milan welcome Bologna to the San Siro for a quarter-final clash.
Andrea Stramaccioni is desperate to win his first trophy as Inter boss and has vowed to name a strong team in the build-up to tonight's tie.
Full team news from the San Siro to follow shortly. We are around 45 minutes from getting underway.
Bologna have some pedigree in this season's competition, knocking out Napoli out in the last round away from home in a shock 2-1 win.
Despite their Serie A struggles the visitors have quality in attacking areas, with familiar names such as Alberto Gilardino and Alessandro Diamanti expected to feature this evening.
Inter's title challenge has stuttered somewhat on both sides of the winter break, with the Nerazzurri seven points behind Juve despite comfortably beating Pescara last weekend.
All-conquering Juve still lurk in the Coppa Italia but the winners of tonight's match will avoid Antonio Conte's side, with a semi-final against either Roma or Fiorentina scheduled for this time next week.
We have just received team news from the San Siro and it makes for interesting reading, strong sides named by both managers with the chance of silverware proving to be a real attraction.
INTER XI: Handanovic, Ranocchia, Silvestre, Juan Jesus, Jonathan, Benassi, Pereira, Zanetti, Guarin, Rocchi, Cassano
A mix of youth and experience from Strama, who opts to hand veteran striker Tommaso Rocchi his first start since leaving Lazio for Inter two weeks ago.
At the other end of their career, 18-year-old Marco Benassi continues in midfield for the home side after making his Serie A debut against Pescara last weekend.
A familiar back three of Juan Jesus, Matias Silvestre and Alberto Ranocchia all start, while Javier Zanetti adds experience and solidity to the Inter midfield.
Rocchi is partnered in attack by Antonio Cassano in an Inter strikeforce that makes up for its lack of pace with skill and craft.
BOLOGNA XI Agliardi, Motta, Sorensen, Portanova, Morleo, Perez, Guarente, Motta, Diamanti, Pasquato, Gilardino
The all-action duo of Gilardino and Diamanti both start for Bologna, who retain their normal 4-2-3-1 shape at the San Siro.
Southampton fans will also get a chance to cast their eye over a potential signing this evening, with 20-year-old defender Frederik Sorensen in the Bologna starting XI.
Speaking of the January window, unsurprisingly Wesley Sneijder does not feature for the hosts tonight as talks continue over his Inter exit. Galatasaray still sit in the driving seat having agreed a fee, but the Dutchman remains firmly up for grabs. Anyone?
Through the power of a variety of online resources I will endeavour to keep you up to date on a busy evening of cup action across the continent. If FA Cup replays are your bag my colleague Barney Corkhill is running a live commentary, which you can view by clicking here.
Only Wigan have got on the scoresheet so far in tonight's nine replays after 22 minutes, so shameless plugs over let's get back to mainland Europe.
Cup football is also on the agenda in Spain tonight, with Real Madrid goalless against Valencia in the early stages of their Copa del Rey tie.
That's you brought up to speed with a night of cup action. Our feature match this evening between Inter and Bologna is just 15 minutes away. A pair of attacking lineups promises an exciting encounter at the San Siro.
Just a reminder that we must have a winner in tonight's tie, which means extra time and penalties will be called upon if necessary.
Lets hope for a tie along the lines of last week's opening quarter-final in this competition, which saw Serie A heavyweights Juventus and AC Milan deadlocked after 90 minutes. Mirko Vucinic eventually got Juve over the line with a strike five minutes into extra time. More of the same please this week guys!
Lazio also booked a place in the final four last week and will play Juve after edging past Catania at the Olimpico.
Inter or Bologna have mercifully been spared a tie with Juve at the semi-final stage, with either Roma or Fiorentina to come in the next round. That match between sides hell bent on producing attacking football will be played later this week.
I must apologise for the late start to our live updates from Italy, a technical hitch has prevented us from keeping tabs on the first 20 minutes. The wait for updates is over, let's cross live to the San Siro and catch up with a quiet start to tonight's tie.
We pick up the action at the San Siro with 25 minutes gone and Bologna reportedly enjoying a bright start despite their poor away record in domestic competitions.
CHANCE Bologna are enjoying more possession and they create a nice chance on the counter. Dimanti drops in to space in the opposition half before threading through to Pasquato, who shots low and hard but Handanovic is equal to the strike.
The diminutive duo of Diamanti and Gilardino are causing all kinds of problems to an outnumbered Inter backline, while Rocchi cuts an isolated figure in attack. Stramaccioni might consider a tactical tweak before long.
Rocchi wins a foul and finally Inter get the ball back. The home side looking to bring a quiet crowd into the match after a disappointing start.
CHANCE! Cassano is brought down by Sorenson and Inter get another chance to maintain possession. The ball finds the Italian international and he cuts inside to curl a strike towards goal, with Agliardi producing a fine one-handed save to keep the game goalless.
GOAL! A stunning strike form Guarin puts Inter ahead. Benassi delivers a diagonal pass to Cassano, who finds Guarin on the edge of the area. The Colombian takes a touch before thrashing home an unstoppable drive. Game on!
A subdued start is brought to life by Guarin, who hammered into the top corner for his sixth goal of the season. Inter scarcely deserve their advantage but Bologna failed to close the shot down and paid a heavy price.
Pereira makes a fine run from full-back but despite reaching the ball inside the area he is flagged offside. Replays suggest that the linesman got that call right, just.
Dimanti is brought down by Benassi to win a free kick just outside the box. This is well within range for the former West Ham United forward.
CHANCE! Diamanti's shot is blocked by a strong Inter wall, with Ranocchia taking the ball straight to the chest and crumpling into a heap on the floor. A scene that would not have looked out of place on You've Been Framed.
CHANCE! Gilardino comes very close to an equaliser, meeting Motta's cross and heading across goal into the corner in precise fashion. Bologna think they are level but Handanovic uses every inch of his frame to climb down and parry away. Hard luck for the visitors.
Inter break quickly through Guarin and Cassano but the goalscorer can't stay onside and a bright move break down the hosts.
Bologna mount another attack through Diamanti, who opts to strike from range on his trusty left foot. A bouncing strike is seen from distance by Handanovic, who meets a strong shot with a heavy punch and the danger is cleared.
Just a minute later Diamanti decides to shoot from even further out, with a stinging drive falling well wide of the target.
The referee hands Inter a reprieve, awarding no injury time to bring a quick end to the first 45 minutes at the San Siro.
HALF-TIME INTER MILAN 1-0 BOLOGNA
Apologies for the late start to tonight's updates from the San Siro but not to worry, you didn't miss a moment of meaningful action. Bologna trail at the break but can feel hard done by after enjoying their fair share of possession and chances in a bright opening period.
Inter struggled to win the ball and settle into an early rhythm, but who needs patient play when Guarin delivers a piledriver after 30 minutes. A rocket from the powerful Colombian has Inter ahead at the interval.
Diamanti has been the best player in the opening 45 minutes, showing drive and menace to leave the Inter midfield struggling to cope throughout.
Chances have been thin on the ground for the hosts, with Cassano the only player to force a save from Agliardi from a curling strike.
Bologna should be level and came agonisingly close when Gilardino's fine header brought the best out of Handanovic just before the break.
Inter have struggled to provide service for Rocchi on his full debut, with a lack of width evident from Strama's side. Rodrigo Palacio may be introduced quickly in the second half if things don't improve.
18-year-old midfielder Benassi has also struggled to stamp his authority on the match, spending most of the first 45 minutes chasing Diamanti's shadow.
Both teams are about to take the field for the second half. Bologna are still very much alive in this cup tie despite conceding against the run of play.
SUBSTITUTION: Bologna have decided to make a change, swapping Guarante for Pacienza.
DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION: Strama has acted after a poor first 45 minutes. Esteban Cambiasso is on for Benassi to add steel and experience to the Inter midfield.
Bologna start the second half and quickly look to establish possession in the final third.
Motta finds space to deliver another cross for Bologna, but Inter are defending deep and have enough bodies to clear.
Diamanti wins a free kick just wide of the penalty area and elects to take himself. An inviting delivery is punched clear by the outstretched arm of Handanovic and Inter clear.
Cassano makes the byline on the counter and cuts back for Pereira, who has marauded forward from full-back. He takes an almighty run up but skews wide from 10 yards out.
Guarin brings the ball forward but gets carried away and is dispossessed by Pacienza.
Diamanti wins another corner with a brilliant in-swinging cross. More pressure from the visitors.
Inter win a cheap free kick when the ball is crossed in as Motta handles after losing control on the edge of the area. Chance missed for the visitors.
Once again Bologna waste no time retrieving the ball and mounting an attack. Still plenty to be encouraged about for the visitors.
SUBSTITUTION: Bologna make their second change, bringing on Gabbiadini for Pasquato.
A sign of attacking intent for the visitors with that change, Gabbiadini has gone straight up front to join Gilardino in a two-man attack. With Diamanti in behind you have to believe Bologna will create chances in the last half-hour.
A delay in play as Ranocchia stays down after Diamanti treads on his toes. Ah, bless.
Stramaccioni is readying Rodrigo Palacio on the bench, a man in fine goalscoring form.
CHANCE! With Ranocchia off the pitch receiving treatment Diamanti drives into space and shoots from range, but his strike drifts wide of the far post.
SUBSTITUTION: Confirmation of that second Inter change, Rocchi is the player withdrawn for Palacio after a very quiet night leading the home side's attack.
Bologna still believe there is a goal in this tie for them as they pour forward in numbers, but Sorensen's cross fails to find a white shirt in a crowded penalty area.
Jesus sends in a good cross for Inter, but Cassano slips at the crucial moment and a rare chance for the hosts is gone.
Inter are starting to find more space as Bologna chase the game. There are more goals in this match if the right service can be provided.
Cambiasso sweeps up the danger just as Gilardino looks to be about to hit a shot on the edge of the area. Smart defending from the experienced Argentine.
Bologna look to attack once more but Pereira robs possession before continuing his run to win the hosts a corner.
Inter take the corner short, perhaps giving their beleaguered defence a rest. Cassano shields the ball to win a dangerous free kick.
Cassano cuts the ball back to Pereira but he blasts high and wide from the edge of the area.
SUBSTITUTION: Kone comes on for Antonsson in a final throw of the dice for Bologna. A third striker for a central defender. Kitchen sink time for the visitors.
Cassano uses the new-found space in the Bologna backline to force a strike at goal, but his cheeky attempt to catch out Agliardi at his near post is wide of the target.
Palacio wants a corner after a strong run out wide, but the ball came back off the forward for a goal kick.
Bologna look to have run out of ideas slightly and nearly get caught out on the break. Fine play from Guarin finds Palacio just inside the area but his rushed shot is read and well caught by Agliardi.
Motto wins a soft free kick after charging into Pereira and Bologna launch it long. Gabbiadini's cross is inches from finding Gilardino, who had ghosted in at the far post. The offside flag is raised to curb the veteran striker's disappointment at failing to make contact.
Kone shows great hustle to keep Juan pressed deep in his own half, but Zanetti shows all his experience to help his teammate retain possession and win the foul
GOAL INTER MILAN 2-0 BOLOGNA (Palacio)
Bologna are protesting furiously but that's the tie over. They think the ball went out of play in the build-up, but Inter play to the whistle and find Palacio in space. The substitute evades the challenge of two defenders before cutting inside and driving home from just outside the box. A measured finish from a natural goalscorer.
A strike of the highest quality has Bologna dumbfounded at their two-goal deficit. Just 10 minutes left for the visitors to find a response.
GOAL! INTER MILAN 2-1 BOLOGNA (Diamanti)
Tie over, I spoke too soon. Diamanti produces a wonderful curling free kick from the edge of the area, which goes in off the underside of the bar to leave Handanovic rooted to the spot. Game on!
CHANCE! Bologna come within the width of a post of getting the equaliser. A menacing cross files off Ranocchia's head and hits the post before bouncing clear of Gilardino, who was waiting to pounce in the six-yard box. So close for the visitors.
GOAL! INTER MILAN 2-2 BOLOGNA (Gabbiadini)
Write this side off at your peril. Gabbiadini floats in at the far post to meet a measured diagonal from Motta to head home from close range. An equaliser the visitors richly deserve, two goals in four minutes and we have a cup tie on our hands.
Inter go straight up the other end and have a goal disallowed, the defending in this last five minutes has been absolutely non-existent. Ranocchia is penalised for a shirt pull in the area, which looks very harsh on the replay.
CHANCE Kone has a gilt-edged chance to win it for Bologna. He meets the ball in space from eight yards but fires wide via a deflection off Gilardino.
SUBSTITUTION: Inter make their final change and i'ts a conservative one. Jonathan is withdrawn for Belgian international Mundingayi.
Ranocchia is forward again in the final few minutes and tries an overhead kick, which floats wide.
The fourth official signals four minutes of added time, still plenty of time to find a late winner given the comical defending we have seen in the closing stages.
CHANCE! Gabbiadini forces a top save from Handanovic, with his curling strike turned round the post.
CHANCE A cross from Palacio goes goalward and needs a strong hand from Agliardi to stop it finding the target. A thrilling finale to a pulsating cup tie at the San Siro.
Bologna win a corner in the final minute of added time. Diamanti sends the ball into a crowded area, but his cross fails to beat the first man and the danger is cleared.
FULL-TIME: INTER MILAN 2-2 BOLOGNA EXTRA TIME REQUIRED
Three goals in the final 15 minutes has us heading for an additional 30 minutes in the Coppa Italia. Bologna were two goals behind with 10 minutes to play but a storming comeback has kept their chances of progressing alive.
Inter get extra time underway and go straight on the attack. Cambiasso races through and appears to have his ankle clipped before firing wide. Nothing given and the chance is gone.
Bologna still have three strikers on the pitch with Diamanti in behind. Only one way they can play in this additional 30 minutes.
BOOKING! Gabbiadini picks up a caution for fouling Guarin right on the edge of the area. From the resulting free kick Cassano crosses to Cambiasso, who fails to make firm contact under pressure from a defender.
Bologna clear their lines and re-establish possession. Cambiasso fouls Motta with a cynical clip to stop the visitors mounting a quick counter.
Diamanti is brought down by Ranocchia and his name is added to the caution list.
Mundingayi miscues his clearance horribly and gifts Bologna a dangerous corner kick.
CORNER: Diamanti passes short to Pacienza but his attempted cross is too deep and Handanovic claims easily.
Pereira breaks down the left-hand side and crosses into the six-yard box but just as Cassano looks to make contact Agliadri arrives to clear with strong punch.
Cassano and Guarin both have shots on the edge of the area blocked in quick succession and Bologna clear.
BOOKING: Mundingayi gets a yellow card for a late lunge on Perez.
Bologna go back on the attack and win a throw deep in the final third. Diamanti delivers another curling cross but this time Silvestre does enough to head away at the first time of asking.
The pace has dropped slightly as both sides try to conserve energy. Bologna are still enjoying more possession, with Inter causing problems on the break.
Substitute Kone drives forward and does well to win a corner off Ranocchia.
CORNER: Dimanti's deep corner is only partially cleared but Gilardino dives in and Inter win a free kick and a chance to clear their lines.
Silvestre's last-ditch interception is the final action of the first half of extra time. 15 minutes remain for either side to avoid the dreaded penalty shootout.
Cassano trudges off to have his knee strapped, with the referee doing his best to try and ensure a quick turnaround.
Bologna gets us back underway and immediately pump the ball forward with a diagonal pass. Motta pulls wide but his run inside is not found and Inter win back possession.
Pereira throws himself to the ground but fails to win a free kick for his exaggerated fall.
Cassano is struggling to continue, with Inter leaving him furthest forward to effectively goal hang in these final few minutes.
Diamanti is at the heart of action again but his attempt to cut inside and find the target is thwarted as the playmaker loses his footing as he about to pull the trigger.
CHANCE! Zanetti darts into the penalty area unchallenged. His initial shot is saved by Agliardi but he gets the ball back and has a chance to score with the rebound. A side-footed shot from the Argentine looks to heading into an empty net but glances the post and drifts just wide.
Inter win two corners in quick succession but both times Agliardi is equal to the danger.
Diamanti tries to launch a counter but Zanetti leads him down the line before intercepting in efficient fashion.
CHANCE! Gabbiadini finds space at the far post and meets a well-timed Diamanti cross but he cannot generate any power on a tame header, which Handanovic gathers easily.
Inter win a corner but once again the delivery disappoints everyone but Agliadri, who comes out to claim unchallenged.
Diamanti has Bologna back on the attack with a crossfield pass, but an unmarked Gabbiadini wastes the chance by shooting when Gilardino was waiting in space in the penalty area.
Once again Diamanti needs no invitation to get involved but his corner evades a packed penalty area and drifts wide to safety.
Palacio breaks quickly and wins a corner for the home side. Last chance of the match here.
GOAL! INTER MILAN 3-2 BOLOGNA (Ranocchia)
Guarin's corner finds Ranocchia in space and with Agliardi well out of his area the ball sails into an empty neat. Agony for Bologna and relief for Stramaccioni and the home crowd.
FULL TIME A.E.T. INTER MILAN 3-2 BOLOGNA
A dramatic finish which is a fitting finale to a game which started slowly before bursting into life with a thrilling conclusion.
Needing to survive one more corner to secure penalties, Bologna faltered. After coming from two goals down in normal time defeat is hard on the visitors, who contributed so much to a pulsating cup tie.
Inter were well below par for much of the 120 minutes but with a semi-final against Roma or Fiorentina secure the home fans will care little as they leave the San Siro.
That brings an end to a superb Coppa Italia quarter-final. Thanks for joining us at Sports Mole. Goodnight!
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
