Sunday, December 22, 2024

Prediction: Genoa vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Genoa will host Inter Milan on Saturday, and this could be a key matchup for both clubs. While the hosts are fighting to avoid relegation to the Serie B ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, the visitors still have an outside chance to win the title — even though it’s extremely slim. Kick-off for this game is slated for Saturday at 18:30 GMT.

Genoa

It’s not a secret that the 2019-20 Serie A season has been a disappointment for Genoa. They were expected to finish around the middle of the standings, but not even the most pessimistic fans would have believed the team would be complicated with a relegation threat towards the end of the season. With three games left in the schedule, Genoa sit in 17th place with 36 points and a W9, D9, L17 record. One thing that has been positive has been their recent form, though, as they have won three of their last four league matches, including their last two. Genoa are also coming off a huge 2-1 derby win over Sampdoria earlier this week. That was the perfect result to boost their confidence ahead of this pivotal match.

Team News

Lukas Lerager has been suspended for this match due to yellow-card accumulation.

Cristian Romero (muscular) and Ivan Radovanovic (knee) have also been ruled out of this fixture.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan looked like a bonafide Serie A title contender only a few weeks ago, but that ship has sailed given their recent performances. Antonio Conte’s men are coming off a 0-0 home stalemate against Fiorentina the last time out, and that was a disappointing result for the Italian giants. It was also their second straight draw, following their 2-2 draw at AS Roma last weekend. Juventus have suffered a noticeable dip in form over the last weeks, but Inter have not been able to capitalise on the few chances they’ve had overall. Inter are W2, D3 in their last five matches, and they arrive into this game sitting in third place with 73 points. They are nine points behind Juventus with three games left, so it’s safe to say their title chances are all but gone now.

Team News

Inter Milan will be slightly depleted ahead of this matchup. They will have four confirmed absentees.

The list includes Nicolo Barella (suspension), Stefano Sensi (thigh), Matias Vecino (knee), and Stefan de Vrij (knee). Undoubtedly, the team will be thin when it comes to midfield depth.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Genoa have won three of their last four Serie A matches. They have scored exactly two goals in each of those wins.
  • The hosts might have a shot at pulling the upset here, though. They have gone W4, L1 in their last five matches against Inter in this venue.
  • Inter Milan are undefeated in their last five Serie A matches, with two wins and three draws during that stretch.
  • Four of their last five Serie A matches have featured over 2.5 goals scored. They’ve been routinely involved in high-scoring contests.
  • Genoa have been struggling in their recent matches against Inter. They have lost their past three H2H games, scoring none and conceding 13 during that stretch.

Conclusion

Genoa must win this game by any means, as the three points could go a long way towards avoiding relegation. Inter also have to win if they want to keep their title chances alive for, at least, a few more hours.

Given the needs for both clubs, this could be a very open game. One that might certainly end with three goals or more.

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Juan Pablo Aravena


A freelance writer and sports analyst with almost five years of experience in the industry before joining SoccerNews, Juan Pablo Aravena is based in Chile and currently contributes to several publications and websites including SoccerNews, 12up, and Sports From The Basement, while also working as a fantasy beat writer for RotoWire, as a database editor for EA Sports, and as a football analyst for SmartOdds and InsideFutbol. His areas of focus are Serie A, Bundesliga, Premier League, LaLiga, and Ligue 1, but he has also written about MLS and South American football in the past.

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