Preview: Inter vs Genoa

Written by Dare Solomon

The defending champions. Inter Milan are prepared to start the league without some of the notable players that brought the Scudetto back to the City after eleven years. The exit of coach Antonio Conte and the team’s top scorer, Romelu Lukaku has watered down the euphoria among the fans and the strength of other title contenders has reduced the chances of the Nerazzurri defending the title.

For the Rossoblù , they go as a clear outsiders into the game as they did not have a great end to the campaign last term with three defeats in their final five matches. But the team’s preseason games have shown Davide Ballardini’s team look set to improve on their 11th place finish last season.

Inter Milan

Style of play

The Inter management have made sure nothing much really changed in the team’s approach to games and despite the personnel changes, Simone Inzaghi is expected to keep the back three of Alessandro Bastoni, Milan Skriniar and Stefan De Vrij who together provide Inter with a good build up and strong defense which allows quick transition to the midfield supported by the two high flying fullbacks to provide more legs in the final third.

Recent Form

Situation at the Giuseppe Meazza seems to be under control as the Nerazzurri claimed three wins from their four preseason matches defeating Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in their final match with new signing, Edin Dzeko getting on the scorers’ list in the last game.

Though the season is fresh with new scenarios, Inter have won their last 16 home matches in the league scoring at least 3 goals in their last three.

Player To Watch

With Edin Dzeko likely to start in Romelu Lukaku’s position, the Bosnian international will surely be the player to watch as the team’s responsibility of scoring lies primarily between himself and Coppa America winner Lautaro Martinez.

Injury Update

Alexis Sanchez is yet to recover from a ‘complicated’ muscle injury despite all efforts to get him available for Saturday’s clash.

Genoa

Style of play

For a man who returned for the fourth time to Genoa last year, Davide Ballardini’s return has brought good tidings to the team that major in playing comfortably with three centre backs in a swift counter attacking system that majorly explore the skill set of Matias Destro and the fishing ability of Goran Pandev, who shared the spot last season with now AS Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov.

Recent Form

Genoa suffered just one defeat in four matches, although they mostly faced lower league sides from Austria, Germany and Italy. Davide Ballardini’s men will be hoping to take this run of form into the league where they will be hoping to improve on their last season’s 11th place finish

Player To Watch

Goran Pandev. The 38 year-old attacker signed a new one-year contract keeping him at the Stadio Friuli until 2022. Though he doesn’t have 90 mins in his legs anymore, his return to his former home ground could unleash the beast in him which has made him contribute 32 goals and 11 assists in his 165 appearances for the Grifone.

Injuries and Suspensions

Alexis Sanchez remains out with an injury. The Chilean has been unable to participate in Inter’s preseason preparation so far and is expected to miss a number of games. Lautaro Martinez is out through suspension.

Valon Behrami and Mattia Bani will also be suspended for the game.

Prediction

Inter Milan 4-1 Genoa

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About Author

Olugbenga Olonade

I’m Olugbenga and I have a passion for writing. I enjoy writing about sports, football especially and I take pleasure in immersing myself in learning about new and exciting areas. I’ve written for over a decade but about nine years, professionally. I enjoy watching football and talking about sports in general just as much as researching any given topic in order to create exciting and engaging content.

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