Bologna's Champions League credentials face Inter test

It seems more a matter of when, not if, Inter Milan will win the Serie A title, but behind them the race for Champions League qualification is hotting up and Bologna's credentials will be tested when they host the league leaders on Saturday.

Inter's nine-match winning streak combined with a drop in form for Juventus has allowed them open up a 15-point gap at the top, but Bologna's six consecutive victories has put them right back in contention for fourth spot.

Bologna began the season at a steady pace, drawing six of their opening 10, before becoming the surprise of the season as they marched up the table, but a run of four games without a win saw them drop to eighth.

Many assumed that was the end of their European hopes, but their recent resurgence in form means the dream is still very much alive as they took back fourth place.

Atalanta had been one of their main rivals for fourth, but Bologna defeated them 2-1 last weekend to leave them five points adrift in sixth.

Inter have lost just two games from 37 in all competitions this season, and one of those came at home to Bologna in the Coppa Italia, and when Bologna went to the San Siro in the league in October, they came away with a 2-2 draw.

Combine those results with the fact that Bologna have not lost a game at home since their opening day defeat to AC Milan, and it would appear that Thiago Motta's side have every chance of giving Inter a real test.

Motta was a member of Inter's treble-winning side in 2010, and now as Bologna manager he has already put paid to any treble hopes they may have had this season, but another loss for Inter would hardly damage their Scudetto chances.

Simone Inzaghi may also have one eye on his side's Champions League last 16 tie with Atletico