Inter Milan will refocus on their Serie A campaign after European disappointment, as Cristian Chivu seeks a response against Genoa.
Cristian Chivu’s inexperience in management was evident as he saw his Inter Milan side crash out of the UEFA Champions League against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt as they prepare to take on Genoa this weekend. The visitors came into the clash with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, and the Nerazzurri were widely expected to respond fittingly to their problematic first game in Norway.
However, their efforts to break down the Norwegians proved futile, as Bodo/Glimt carved through Inter Milan’s backline with ease and were clinical enough to secure passage into the next round with another victory. It was a disappointing performance from Chivu’s side, and they must now refocus on their league campaign.
In Serie A, Inter Milan have been dominant over the past several weeks, stitching together a seven-game winning run to lead by ten points. Second-placed AC Milan and other previous chasers have faltered consistently, while the table-toppers have been steady enough to make themselves favourites for the title.
Ahead of the weekend, Inter Milan have the chance to retain or even extend this lead as they face Genoa at San Siro. Speaking of Genoa, the away side visit San Siro with an abysmal record to correct, having failed to beat Inter Milan away from home in their last 11 visits.
At one stage, Genoa looked like prime relegation contenders. However, the arrival of Daniele De Rossi has turned their fortunes around, as they currently sit three points clear of the relegation zone.
Their current position in 14th may seem a safe distance from danger, but the points gap tells a different story. Hence, De Rossi’s side needs more consistency in the league to steer clear of their bottom-half rivals, although it is difficult to see them correcting their miserable record against Inter Milan at San Siro.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Milan
Cristian Chivu is expected to make some changes to the side that lost to Bodo/Glimt earlier this week, as skipper Lautaro Martínez remains sidelined through injury. Hence, the Inter Milan manager will once again choose two out of Francesco Pio Esposito, Marcus Thuram, and Ange-Yoan Bonny to lead the line against Genoa.
The Nerazzurri will also miss key defender Alessandro Bastoni through suspension, meaning one of Carlos Augusto or Francesco Acerbi could be included in the backline, while Federico Dimarco should retain his spot on the left wing.
There were some positives to take from the defeat to Bodo/Glimt, as Denzel Dumfries made his long-awaited return from injury, though he may once again be resigned to the bench. Furthermore, Chivu will have Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu available after the midfield duo served suspensions.
Probable Line-up (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Augusto; Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Bonny, Esposito
Genoa
Daniele De Rossi does not have too many issues with injuries or suspensions, with only backup goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist and Albert Gronbaek ruled out due to fitness concerns.
There are also doubts about right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s participation in this game. Caleb Ekuban and Lorenzo Colombo are expected to lead the line for the visitors, supported by a midfield three of Tommaso Baldanzi, Morten Frendrup, and Ruslan Malinovskyi.
At the back, De Rossi will persist with a trio of Alessandro Marcandalli, Johan Vasquez, and Leo Ostigard. Stefano Sabelli could replace Norton-Cuffy if the latter is not deemed fit, while Mikael Ellertsson should feature on the left flank for Genoa against Inter Milan this weekend.
Probable Line-up (3-5-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Vasquez, Ostigard; Sabelli, Frendrup, Baldanzi, Malinovskyi, Ellertsson; Ekuban, Colombo
Key Stats
- Inter Milan have won their last 11 home matches against Genoa in all competitions.
- Inter Mialn have won their last seven Serie A matches.
- Inter Milan have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last nine home matches against Genoa in all competitions.
- Genoa have only managed to win one of their last four games.
Player to Watch
Federico Dimarco
Cristian Chivu will find it challenging to help his players refocus on the task at hand following their elimination from the UEFA Champions League. The ten-point advantage at the top of the Serie A standings also opens the door for complacency, but the manager will want his players sharp, especially Federico Dimarco.
The left wing-back has been in tremendous form in terms of assists. The Italian international has created at least one goal in each of his last five Serie A games, and Chivu will look to his senior wide man to inspire this clash after their European heartbreak.
Prediction
Inter Milan 3-0 Genoa
Genoa will hope to build on their recent win but face the daunting task of defeating Inter Milan at San Siro. Their dreadful record at this venue and inconsistent recent form both count against them, making the home side overwhelming favourites.
Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu will want a big response from his players and a convincing scoreline to help the fans move past their European disappointment. The Nerazzurri are primed to deliver a strong performance, likely maintaining their ten-point advantage at the top of the Serie A standings.
