Inter Milan Defeated in Super Cup, Bolgona Next in Serie A Action

Is that large factory-farmed egg on Rafa Benitez’s face or is that my imagination running wild? Nope, it’s egg alright. Can’t say I am surprised really what with his boasting challenge to all and sundry to rival Inter Milan in silverware this season ahead of UEFA Super Cup but after his side won the Coppa Italia.

A side, I might add, that picked up a triplet of titles last season under the careful tenure of Jose Mourinho. That the Portuguese national entrusted in Rafa’s beleaguered care after he left for richer pastures in Real Madrid.

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I would have thought Rafa Benitez would want to keep a bit of a low profile after his unceremonious exit from Liverpool, a tenure that ended on a rather failed note at the end of last season.

In some ways, I suppose winning the Coppa Italia puffed up his confidence a little prematurely. It was perhaps the best encomium to his appointment that he could have hoped for really.

I know some would argue that even the best and coolest head could be seduced by such a dream start to his custody. And I will not argue the truth of that, but what I will say is that the defeat to Atletico Madrid in UEFA Super Cup on Friday, marks the end of the honeymoon. The bubble is well and truly burst now.

So as Benitez and Co. head into Serie A Game Week 1 it is with a bit less surety in their gait . They open their season against Bologna on Monday night.

Soccer Betting Line:

Bologna +1 -135 +475 2½ O Ev U -120 ½ O -130 U +110 Draw +260

Inter Milan -1 +115 -160 2½ O Ev U -120 1½ O -120 U Ev Draw +260

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time (18:45 Local Time) Monday August 30, 2010

Soccer Betting Verdict: The recent Super Cup debacle shouldn’t affect Inter Milan’s value in this match. Bologna only just survived relegation last season, finishing 17th in the table. Decidedly, they are no match for five-time running Seria A champions Inter. And don’t the bookies know it.

Bologna is listed at +475 to win outright, a bet that we can all agree would be a long shot bet. If you are looking to back Bologna it would be best on the handicap at +1 -135. They could put forward a decent account against Inter, especially now that the Serie darlings are a little bruised. By that I mean, try to keep to a respectable loss. A 2:1 score would be seen as a good account. Bologna are listed at ½ Over -130 in team totals.

Truth is though last season, Inter scored six goals and conceded only one against Bologna in two encounters. The Over 2 ½ Evens therefore seems tempting.

Inter are solid -160 favourites to win outright and I don’t think confidence in domestic action has waned because they lost in Super Cup. They have dominated Serie A for five years and most expect they will continue that domination into this season.

Soccer Free Picks: Inter Milan at -160