Inter Milan are looking to maintain their pursuit of the frontrunners as they travel to Genoa for an Italian Serie A fixture. The hosts are showing signs of life under a new manager, while the Nerazzurri have also impressed in the league.
Having endured a difficult start to the season, with no wins in their opening nine Serie A matches, Genoa appear to be turning a corner lately. New Manager Daniele De Rossi is at the heart of this resurgence as they have won two of their last three matches, claiming a 2-1 victory at Udinese in their previous fixture.
One area that needs improvement for Genoa is their home form, having picked up just one win in their last five matches at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. However, that win came in their previous fixture in front of their fans, earning a 2-1 victory over Verona.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are coming off a 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League fixture. However, manager Cristian Chivu will consider that result a minor blip, having won their previous three matches in all competitions, including a 4-0 victory over Como last time out in Serie A.
Sitting just one point off the pace, Inter Milan will be keen to maintain their pursuit of the frontrunners and avoid any slips. The Nerazzurri have won three of their last four away matches in the league.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Inter
The bookies have installed Inter Milan as overwhelming favourites, with a win valued at 8/15 by William Hill. Genoa are considered outsiders at home and are priced at 11/2 by Paddy Power to win, while a draw is set at odds of 16/5 by bet365.
Head to head: Nerazzurri on top
Inter Milan have a 24-5 advantage, with eight draws in the last 37 matches against Genoa. The last meeting ended in a 1-0 home victory for Inter Milan back in February.
Players to watch: Martinez looking sharp
Lautaro Martinez was on target at Torino for his seventh Serie A goal of the season and will be the one to watch for Inter Milan. The striker also scored in the last meeting with Genoa and will be keen to find the net once again (Lautaro Martinez anytime goalscorer – priced at 7/5 by William Hill).
Lorenzo Colombo often features in attack for Genoa and has scored two Serie A goals this season. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on (Lorenzo Colombo anytime goalscorer – valued at 9/2 on bet365).
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups:
Genoa are without Leo Ostigard and Morten Frendrup, who are currently sidelined with injury. Colombo and Vitinha should continue their attacking partnership, while Sebastian Otoa is set to continue at the back.
Inter Milan are likely to be without Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries, Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Damian, who are all nursing injuries. Yann Bisseck is expected to get the nod at the back, while Martinez and Marcus Thuram should continue in attack.
Genoa: Leali, Marcandalli, Otoa, Vasquez, Norton-Cuffy, Malinovskyi, Masini, Thorsby, Martin, Colombo, Vitinha.
Inter Milan: Sommer, Akanji, Bisseck, Bastoni, Luiz Henrique, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Dimarco, Thuram, Martinez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in three of their last four meetings (BTTS YES – priced at 21/20 by bet365). Genoa's last six matches have produced over 2.5 goals – available at Evens by Betfred.
Inter Milan have scored over 1.5 goals in three of their last four matches (Inter Milan over 1.5 goals – offered at 8/11 on William Hill). Inter Milan are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value (Inter Milan win & over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 6/4 on Paddy Power).
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