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August 16, 2024
Inter kick off their 2024/25 Serie A title defense with an away fixture against a Genoa side already hampered by injuries.
Inter kicks off its Serie A 2024/25 season on the road, making the trip to the iconic Stadio Luigi Ferraris to face Genoa in its opening match. Inter enters the campaign as the reigning champions with a target on its back, knowing that every opponent will be eager to dethrone them and claim victory against the prestigious club.
On the other hand, Genoa had a fairly average season in 2023/24, finishing with 12 wins, 13 draws, and 13 losses. While this record might seem unremarkable, it is pretty respectable given that the team had just returned to Serie A after a stint in Serie B. The Genoa squad will be looking to build on last season’s performance, aiming to improve their standing and secure a more stable position in the top flight of Italian football.
In stark contrast, the Nerazzurri have established themselves as a dominant force in Serie A. Following last season’s triumph, where they lifted the Scudetto, Inter is setting their sights on back-to-back titles—an achievement they haven’t accomplished since the late 2000s. With a strong squad and a wealth of experience, they will be looking to start the season with a statement win against Genoa, asserting their intent to remain at the pinnacle of Italian football. The match promises to be thrilling, with both teams eager to make their mark in the season’s early stages.
Alberto Gilardino grapples with an injury crisis even before the season kicks off, significantly limiting his options for the opening match. The summer signing, Vitinha, emerges as the only fit striker available to lead the line, as Albert Gudmundsson is currently sidelined. The situation worsens for Genoa, with Caleb Ekuban and David Ankeye also out due to injuries, leaving the squad in a challenging position as they prepare to face a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Inter’s head coach, Simone Inzaghi, faces his own set of injury concerns. Still, they are considerably less severe than those affecting Genoa. Lautaro Martinez is expected to start for Inter. However, his minutes might be carefully managed to ensure he remains fit throughout the demanding season. This opens the door for Mehdi Taremi to potentially play a more significant role in the match, providing valuable support in the attacking lineup.
Notably, Inter will need critical players for this fixture. Stefan de Vrij, Piotr Zielinski, and Marko Arnautovic are all ruled out. However, Zielinski and Arnautovic are optimistic about returning by early September. Their absence will be felt, but the depth of Inter’s squad allows them to remain competitive.
Gollini; Vogliacco, Bani, Vazquez; Zanoli, Frendrup, Badelj, Malinovskyi, Martin; Vitinha, Messias
In this 3-5-2 formation, Genoa is set to strengthen their midfield and defensive lines, aiming for a compact structure that can absorb pressure from Inter. The trio of Vogliacco, Bani, and Vazquez will work to create a sturdy backline. At the same time, the wing-backs, Zanoli and Martin, are expected to push forward, providing width and support in attack.
The midfield is designed to balance defensive duties with the ability to launch quick counter-attacks. Frendrup and Badelj will anchor the midfield, with Malinovskyi given the freedom to advance and create chances. Up front, Vitinha and Messias will play crucial roles as the primary goal-scoring threats, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from Inter and turn defensive situations into scoring opportunities.
Sommer; Darmian, De Vrij, Acerbi; Dumfries, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro
Inter’s predicted lineup indicates a strategic approach centered on controlling the match. The defensive trio of Darmian, De Vrij, and Acerbi offers stability and experience, ensuring that the backline remains resilient against Genoa’s attacking threats.
In midfield, Dumfries and Dimarco are poised to provide both defensive cover and offensive support, capable of overlapping with the wingers to stretch the play. Frattesi, Calhanoglu, and Barella form a dynamic midfield trio that can dictate the game’s tempo, seamlessly transitioning from defense to attack.
Leading the charge upfront, the partnership of Lautaro and Thuram will be vital for Inter. Both strikers possess pace and technical ability and will aim to capitalize on any gaps in Genoa’s defense. With their ability to press high and create scoring chances, Inter will seek to impose their game plan from the start, looking for early goals to establish dominance.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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