Inter Milan striker Marko Arnautovic will face a big test against his former team Bologna in the Coppa Italia this evening.

Today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, note the pressure that will be on the 34-year-old.

Arnautovic made the move from Bologna to Inter during the summer transfer window.

The Austrian was something of a surprise arrival at the Nerazzurri.

On the one hand, Arnautovic came in as a proven commodity in Serie A. He had impressed with his performances and proved a reliable outlet for goals for the Rossoblu in the previous two seasons.

But there’s no hiding the fact that many observers felt that the former Stoke City and West Ham United striker was not up to the standard of Inter.

Marko Arnautovic Faces Big Test Vs Former Side Bologna

Inter signed Arnautovic in the hopes of having a reliable deputy to the first-choice strikers Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

The thinking behind the signing seemed to be bringing in a player with plenty of experience and the necessary physicality and size to act as a reference point in the penalty area and holding up the ball.

Arnautovic got off to a decent enough start. In his second debut for Inter, the Austrian bagged his first ever assist for the club against Monza.

But ever since then, the Austrian has overwhelmed somewhat, in truth.

Injuries have been a factor. Arnautovic was on the sidelines for around six weeks with a thigh problem.

But even when fit, the 34-year-old has not proven that can keep the technical level of Inter’s attack high when Martinez or Thuram are left out.

That’s exactly what Arnautovic will be expected to do this evening, however.

Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi is planning to rotate his team significantly as they begin their Coppa Italia campaign in earnest for the season.

Among the changes the coach will make will certainly be including Arnautovic.

If the veteran striker can put in the kind of performance against Bologna that he had been doing for the Rossoblu for the past couple seasons, it would certainly be a big help to Inter.

Arnautovic needs to show that he can be decisive in this kind of match. Inter cannot be totally reliant on Martinez and Thuram.

If the Austrian cannot do so, he is in danger of having a reputation as a failed signing.