Inter Milan will look to address their slip-up in the Serie A title race with a win over Genoa, as they will hope to take the top spot, albeit temporarily, this weekend.
Simone Inzaghi will want a big response from his players after they failed to take advantage of a good situation in the title race following a loss against Juventus. Napoli had played out a draw last weekend against Lazio, which meant Antonio Conte was glued to the television on Sunday night as the Derby d’Italia took centre stage. Up next for Inter Milan are Genoa this weekend.
Inter Milan were the better of the two teams in terms of creating good chances, but Juventus proved clinical in taking theirs. A solitary goal from Francisco Conceicao after some good work from Randal Kolo Muani proved the difference, as Inter Milan failed to take advantage and went two points behind leaders Napoli.
At the weekend, as they take on Genoa, a win would take Inter Milan to the top of the table, albeit temporarily, should Napoli win their game away to Como. Inzaghi will want a fitting response to their slip and prove that the loss to Juventus was a mere blip in their otherwise formidable season.
The only thing Inzaghi would not want is a repeat of the performance on the opening day of the season against Genoa. Back then, Junior Messias scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to end the game 2-2, although the team had not won against the Nerazzurri in eleven attempts.
Under Patrick Vieira, Genoa have shown resurgent form, losing just once in their last four Serie A games, as their overall run of results have seen them pull away from the danger zone. A big result against Inter Milan would go a long way from assuming safety this season, as that will be at the forefront of the Frenchman’s mind heading to San Siro.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Milan
Simone Inzaghi will have to tinker hard with his team selections as it may be time to use his squad depth ahead of the weekend, as well as key clashes in the Coppa Italia and a top-of-the-table encounter with Napoli in the coming period. Hence, there is an expectation for Inzaghi to make some key changes either for this weekend or the midweek cup clash against Lazio.
Yann Sommer has been ruled out for a few weeks after a finger injury, which could have allowed Josep Martinez to deputise for the Swiss stopper. Raffaele Di Gennaro is the only other player missing from action, which could let the manager use his depth to full use.
There is a feeling Inzaghi might go with his strongest eleven at the weekend and use his depth more for the cup clash. There might be changes, like Mehdi Taremi coming in for Marcus Thuram, while most of the other regulars will retain their places.
Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni are set to start at the back, while the usual midfield three retain their places. Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are the likely choices in the wing-back roles, while Lautaro Martinez will partner with Mehdi Taremi in the Inter Milan frontline against Genoa.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Martinez; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Taremi, Martinez
Genoa
Patrick Vieira will have to make do without a few of his key players, such as Honest Ahanor, Morten Thorsby, Milan Badelj and Vitinha. The absence of the latter could see either one of Caleb Ekuban or Maxwel Cornet come into the squad in the attacking line.
Vieira will start with a 4-4-2, with Koni De Winter and Johan Vasquez featuring at the heart of the defence, while Stefano Sabelli and Aaron Martin in the full-back roles.
Patrizio Masini and Morten Frendrup are the preferred choices in central midfield, with Alessandro Zanoli and Fabio Miretti providing the width. Former Inter Milan star Andrea Pinamonti will spearhead the Genoa attack alongside Junior Messias.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Leali; Sabelli, Winter, Vazquez, Martin; Zanoli, Masini, Frendrup, Miretti; Messias, Pinamonti
Key Stats
- Inter Milan have won their last ten home matches against Genoa in all competitions.
- Inter have been winning at both half-time and full-time in their last five home matches against Genoa in all competitions.
- Inter Milan have failed to keep clean sheets in their last four Serie A games.
- Genoa have won their last three home games in a row in Serie A.
Player to Watch
Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez was a big disappointment against Juventus in the Derby d’Italia, with many Inter Milan fans not happy with the skipper’s application on the pitch. While the result against the Bianconeri caused minor damage to the Nerazzurri in the title challenge, Simone Inzaghi will want all his players fit and firing in the games ahead.
Martinez will personally want a revival performance to get back on form, as there are some concerns about his late displays. Hence, all eyes will be on the Argentine, particularly with the game being played at San Siro against Genoa.
Prediction
Inter Milan 2-0 Genoa
Genoa will come into this game as the clear underdogs, as they potentially face a wounded Inter Milan side in the thick of a title race. Hence, they might face a team that is determined to get a win on board and get the top spot, even just for the weekend.
Inter Milan will see the Juventus defeat as a big loss not only on the table but also in terms of their momentum in the title race. With a fully fit squad at Simone Inzaghi’s disposal, Inter Milan are likely to breeze past Genoa and keep a clean sheet. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Inzaghi and his charges.
