Inter Milan and Bologna have the two best defensive records in the top five European leagues ahead of this afternoon’s Serie A clash.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Bologna have conceded four goals so far in the league, whilst Inter have let in just three.

There is certainly no guarantee of this afternoon’s match being cagey or lacking in goals.

In each of the past two matches between Inter and Bologna at the San Siro, the Nerazzurri have scored an eye-watering six goals. And the Rossoblu have grabbed a consolation goal on both occasions.

But so far at least, both teams have had outstanding defensive records.

Inter Milan & Bologna Both Boast Outstanding Defensive Records

For Inter, it has been just three goals allowed from their first seven Serie A matches.

One of those came in the Milan derby against AC Milan. Rafael Leao scored for the Rossoneri – the first goal that Yann Sommer had let in in an Inter shirt in a competitive match.

And Sassuolo scored twice in the second half of their Serie A match against the Nerazzurri.

That is the one real blemish on Inter’s defensive copybook. Particularly considering that it allowed the Neroverdi to stage a second half comeback and hand the Nerazzurri their first defeat of the season.

It’s five clean sheets in Serie A so far this season for Inter. And six in all competitions, including their Champions League victory over Benfica on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Bologna have gone 428 minutes of Serie A action without conceding a goal.

Granted, the Rossoblu have also failed to score against Verona, Napoli, and Monza. But that doesn’t take away from how formidable their defense has looked.

The last goal Bologna conceded was from Cagliari forward Zito Luvumba in a 2-1 Serie A victory.

The Corriere note that even Premier League juggernaut Manchester City have conceded five times in the league this season.

Therefore, Inter and Bologna sit top of the pile in top five European Leagues.