High on the Derby della Madonnina demolition of Milan, Inter get back into the thick of things with a tricky match against a resurgent Genoa. Match today on Sunday at 15:00 CET.
With Inter now four points clear of second place, they must prove their title favorite credentials by making sure they take care of business against visiting Genoa.
In his post-derby press conference Antonio Conte spoke at length about the importance of his team treating all matches with their due respect, and showing their overall development and growth by taking all three points against Genoa and subsequently Parma.
Since re-hiring Davide Ballardini as the Genoa coach, the griffoni have only lost once in the league over the past couple of months. Ballardini has shored up the defences and made Genoa a much less beatable team.
That said, Genoa seems to like playing with a standard 3-5-2 formation, and will most likely defend deep against Inter. While this will probably mean that there will not be much space for Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez to run into in the visitors’ final third, however, it might also mean that the newly launched double midfield creative pivot of Marcelo Brozovic and Christian Eriksen might be afforded more time on the ball.
Should this be the case, then the offensive contributions of Ivan Perisic running in from behind on the flank (especially in Achraf Hakimi’s absence) might prove to be extremely important here.
Inter are expected to win with little trouble here, but to do so, they must not get in their own way.
Team News
It will come as no surprise to any reader that Stefano Sensi is still injured despite having has zero match time. Conte will also be missing the services of his right-flank torpedo Achraf Hakimi. Inter continue risking the suspension of Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic and Alessandro Bastoni who are all just one yellow card away from a single match suspension.
Probable Inter line-up (3-5-2): Handanovic (C); Bastoni, De Vrij, Skriniar; Perisic, Barella, Eriksen, Brozovic, Darmian; Lautaro, Lukaku.
Stats
Last Season: Inter 4 – 0 Genoa.
Last 10 Head to Head: In the head to head department, Inter hold a huge lead over their visitors with seven wins to Genoa’s three. Genoa haven’t beaten Inter since February of 2018 and haven’t taken any points at the San Siro since 2012.
Keep An Eye On
Romelu Lukaku: Big Rom is a force of nature. Not only was his screamer in the derby a classic goal for the ages, his pinpoint cross to assist partner-in-crime Lautaro was an absolute gem. Lukaku will be up against Genoa’s aging backline who aren’t known for their speed; expect the Belgian to have some chances throughout the match.
Officials
Referee: Daniele Chiffi.
Assistants: Del Giovane and Rossi.
Fourth Official: Abbattista.
VAR: Mazzoleni and Vivenzi.
Prediction & Concluding Remarks
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3 – 1 Genoa with Lautaro, Lukaku and Eriksen getting the three points.
Concluding remarks: Having taken hold of the top of the table, Inter must continue to win, especially against the lower and mid-table teams. Inter cannot take their foot off the gas here, senza tregua as the wise Luciano Spaletti one said.