Prediction: Inter Milan vs Hellas Verona

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 13/15

Bookmaker: BetUS

Inter Milan’s upcoming match against Hellas Verona presents an opportunity for them to claim the top spot with exactly half the season gone in the Serie A. A point in this match, scheduled for Saturday at San Siro, would do in that respect.

However, it’s not very likely that the Nerazzurri would be happy with anything but the whole prize against relegation-threatened Verona in front of their own supporters.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan had an eventful 2023, showcasing a commendable performance by winning the most Serie A matches (27) among all teams. In Europe’s top five leagues, only Manchester City managed to secure more victories (29). Their overall triumphs, including clinching the Coppa Italia in May, marked a successful year for the Nerazzurri, amassing 39 wins across all competitions, their highest in 18 years, despite missing out eventually both in the Scudetto race to Napoli, and the Champions League final to Manchester City.

Inter’s last fixture in 2023 against Genoa resulted in a 1-1 draw, narrowing their lead at the top of Serie A over Juventus to just two points. However, securing even a single point in their upcoming match would see them claim the unofficial title of ‘Campioni d’Inverno’ (winter champions) as the league reaches its midpoint.

Although Inter recently experienced a stumble after a four-game winning streak, they remain eager to assert their dominance by thrashing Verona at San Siro. Simone Inzaghi’s side has demonstrated impressive form at home, triumphing in their last four league matches there against Roma, Frosinone, Udinese, and Lecce without conceding a goal. They will surely do their best to extend that record on Saturday.

Team News

Inter’s lineup should be bolstered with the return of some key players to action. With Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco available for selection, Inzaghi might consider changes in the starting XI. The potential return of Martinez could see Marko Arnautovic miss out, despite his recent goal against Genoa.

Additionally, Benjamin Pavard’s recent substitute appearance after recovering from injury puts him in contention for a place in the team, while Tajon Buchanan will not be eligible until the following week’s fixture against Monza.

As for the defensive flanks, Denzel Dumfries and Matteo Darmian will compete for a spot on the right side, while Dimarco, previously on loan at Verona, might replace Carlos Augusto on the left flank.

Hellas Verona

Verona face an uphill battle as they travel to Milan to take on Inter, given their history of struggles against their counterparts and their recent form. Over the past few seasons, they have suffered three consecutive losses against Inter and have faced 21 defeats and 11 draws at San Siro, failing to secure a victory.

Despite a crucial win against Cagliari just before the Christmas break, ending a four-month wait for a Serie A victory, Verona have faced a decline in their standings. A recent 1-0 home defeat to bottom-placed Salernitana has left them teetering just above the relegation zone, showcasing their struggles and the critical challenge they face.

Their position in 17th place is only maintained on goal-difference, highlighting familiar concerns about their lack of offensive prowess. Verona’s ongoing struggle to score goals – they’ve netted the second-fewest in the league with only 15, has hindered their ambitions for mid-table security. Additionally, their difficulties in finding the net in five of their last seven away matches indicate a challenging outlook for them heading into the weekend’s fixture against title-chasing Inter.

Team News

Head coach Marco Baroni faces problems regarding some of his players leaving the club this month. Isak Hien has already departed for Atalanta BC, while Martin Hongla is expected to move to Granada, and Filippo Terracciano could be heading to Inter’s city rivals, AC Milan.

Despite transfer speculations surrounding him, Belgian forward Cyril Ngonge, Verona’s top scorer with five goals from 17 games this season, is set to continue on the right wing, supporting veteran striker Milan Djuric.

Following a suspension last week, Ondrej Duda is expected to make his return to Verona’s midfield, likely replacing Hongla in the starting lineup.

Conclusion

Winning games like this is very important for any team that aims for the title, and Inter will take no prisoners when Verona come to town. They’re expected to hit the relegation-threatened visitors with everything they’ve got, and their multi-goal triumph shouldn’t come into any doubt.

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 13/15

Bookmaker: BetUS