Inter Milan will host Genoa in a crucial Serie A match on Saturday evening. After an abrupt exit from European competition, Inter aims to stay focused on domestic success. Despite setbacks, they remain strong title contenders.
Match Preview: Inter Milan vs. Genoa
Inter recently faced a disappointing loss against Bodo/Glimt, missing out on a Champions League spot. A 2-1 defeat at San Siro added to their aggregate downfall of 5-2. They struggled to find the target, managing only seven shots on goal out of 30 attempts. Lautaro Martinez, their captain and top scorer, has been sidelined due to a calf strain, impacting the team’s offensive potency.
Despite their European failure, Inter is in phenomenal form in Serie A, boasting seven consecutive wins. Their latest triumph was a 2-0 victory over Lecce, with significant contributions from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Manuel Akanji. Currently, the Nerazzurri sit 10 points clear of their rivals, AC Milan, solidifying their ambition for the Scudetto.
Genoa’s Challenge
Genoa, though, faces a challenging task. They suffered a 2-1 defeat in their previous encounter against Inter this season. Historically, they have struggled against Inter, winning only once in the last 13 league meetings. Their last victory over the Milanese side dates back to February 2018. In contrast, they recently achieved a 3-0 win against Torino, vital for their survival in Serie A as they fight to escape relegation.
Under the guidance of coach Daniele De Rossi, Genoa has improved. They have displayed a better scoring record, only trailing three teams in the league since November. However, they maintain a fragile position, sitting just three points above the relegation zone with six teams competing for survival.
Team News
Inter’s coach Cristian Chivu faces selection dilemmas. He must choose between Francesco Pio Esposito, Marcus Thuram, and Ange-Yoan Bonny to lead the attack in Martinez’s absence. Alessandro Bastoni is suspended, so Carlos Augusto or Francesco Acerbi may fill the gap in defense. On a positive note, Denzel Dumfries is back from injury, and key players Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu return to the lineup after serving suspensions.
For Genoa, they will look to AC Milan loanee Lorenzo Colombo, who has been a standout with six league goals this season. Injuries continue to plague the squad, with Sebastian Otoa and Benjamin Siegrist unavailable. Wing-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy is also doubtful due to fitness concerns.
Predicted Lineups
| Inter Milan | Genoa |
|---|---|
| Sommer | Bijlow |
| Bisseck | Marcandalli |
| Akanji | Ostigard |
| Augusto | Vasquez |
| Henrique | Ellertsson |
| Barella | Frendrup |
| Zielinski | Malinovskyi |
| Mkhitaryan | Martin |
| Dimarco | Baldanzi |
| Bonny | Vitinha |
| Thuram | Colombo |
Match Prediction
Expecting a strong showing, Inter Milan is projected to secure a 3-1 victory over Genoa. They aim to solidify their position and maintain momentum towards the Serie A title. With home advantage and a robust attacking lineup, the odds favor the Nerazzurri to prevail in this encounter.
