After hitting midweek’s Bolognese speed-bump, Inter return to the San Siro to host the miserable Genoa and look to get their impressive start to the season back on track. Kick-off on Sunday at 15:00 CET.
Few sides have had a more disappointing start to their season than Genoa. With just two points from their opening five matches (three of which were at home) once cannot help but think of the Grifoni as prime contenders for a relegation battle towards the end of the season.
Luciano Spaletti’s Inter have had their first points knocked off midweek against Bologna and will want to return to winning ways immediately with a strong home showing against Genoa. Spaletti’s tactics have been a boon for the Nerazzurri so far, however, it was clear against Bologna that a fatigued Borja Valero and Joao Mario mean that the team cannot implement it’s desired effectively. Accordingly, expect Roberto Gagliardini and Marcelo Brozovic to replace the pair respectively. Their are rumors that Eder will replace Anotnio Candreva on the right flank, but that might be difficult to see because it robs Spaletti of an offensive change that he might need later in the game.
With indications showing that an over fifty thousand crowd will be present at the Meazza, it will be very important for Inter to get the win in their last home match before the derby.
Team News
Once again, Spaletti is lucky not to have to contend with any major injuries to his squad. The return of Davide Santon from his long-term injury will not affect Spaletti’s selection too much, neither will Joao Cancelo’s continued absence.
Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; Dalbert, Miranda, Skriniar, D’Ambrosio; Vecino, Gagliardini; Perisic, Brozovic, Candreva; Icardi (C)
Stats
Last Season: Inter 2-0 Genoa
Last 10 Head to Head: It’s even spoils between both sides in their previous ten encounters with each picking up four wins. Interestingly however is the fact that in the last eight matches, the home side has always managed to pick up the win.
Keep an Eye on
Antonio Candreva: The Italy international has yet another disappointing day at the office midweek and has since been subjected to a barrage of criticism from the fans and the media. As an essential member of the Spaletti 4-3-2-1 formation, will Candreva use the opportunity to answer his critics or will the experienced winger let the criticism get to him and have another sub-par showing?
Officials
Referee: Marco Guida
Assistants: Carboni, Preti
Fourth Official: Pezzuto
Additional Assistants: Fabbri, Pillitteri
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-1 Genoa with Icardi, Perisic and Candreva scoring.
Author’s Note: What we saw midweek was a little worrying insofar as if the goals don’t come from Icardi or Perisic, then they quite simply don’t come. Spaletti has spoken about the need for the whole team to give their all in every instant for the full 90 minutes, so it will be interesting to see whether this translates into actual goals scored by other members of the team.
