Inter Milan welcome newly promoted Cremonese to San Siro for an Italian Serie A fixture on Saturday. The Nerazzurri appear to be finding their form at the moment, while the visitors are looking slightly unconvincing lately.
After a slow start to the season, Inter Milan are starting to find their feet under manager Cristian Chivu. They have won their last four matches across all competitions and are now just three points off top spot in the table.
Inter Milan claimed a 2-0 victory at Cagliari in their previous Serie A fixture, with Lautaro Martinez getting on the score sheet. The striker also netted a brace as the Nerazzurri followed up that result with a 3-0 home victory over Salvia Prague in the UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, Cremonese are enjoying a solid start to life in the top flight as they are unbeaten after five league matches. However, after winning their opening two fixtures, Davide Nicola's men have drawn their last three matches.
La Cremo will travel to San Siro off the back of a 1-1 draw at Como last time out in Serie A, with Federico Baschirotto’s second-half effort earning a share of the spoils. One issue that appears to be creeping up is a lack of cutting edge in attack, having failed to score in two of their last three league matches.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for the Nerazzurri
Inter Milan have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with a home win priced at 1/5 by BoyleSports. An unlikely victory for Cremonese is valued at 11/1, while a draw is set at odds of 5/1.
Head to Head: All Inter
Inter Milan have an 11-1 advantage, with one draw from 13 previous matches against Cremonese. The Nerazzurri claimed a 3-1 victory in the last Serie A home meeting back in the 2022-23 season.
Players to watch: Martinez back in the groove
After a slow start to the season, Martinez appear to be back in the groove for Inter Milan, scoring three goals in the last two matches. Having also found the net four times in the last two meetings with Cremonese, the forward could be worth keeping an eye on (Lautaro Martinez anytime goalscorer – valued at 5/6 with BoyleSports).
Inter Milan are also solid defensively and have kept clean sheets in three of their last four matches across all competitions. Alessandro Bastoni has impressed at the back and can lead the hosts to another shutout (Inter Milan clean sheet – priced at 4/5).
Probable line-ups:
Inter Milan have no major injuries or suspensions and are likely to stick with the regulars for this one. Martinez and Marcus Thuram should lead the line, while Calhanoglu is set to continue in midfield, with Bastoni retaining his place at the back.
Cremonese are without defender Michele Collocolo and forward Faris Moumbagna, who are sidelined with injury. Dennis Johnsen and Federico Bonazzoli should lead the line while Baschirotto is set to continue at the back.
Inter Milan: Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni, Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Thuram, Martinez
Cremonese: Silvestri, Bianchetti, Baschirotto, Terracciano, Zerbin, Payero, Grassi, Bondo, Pezzella, Johnsen, Bonazzoli
Anything else catch the eye?
Inter Milan have won by two clear goals in their last two matches and will be targeting another comfortable victory (Inter Milan -1 handicap – available at 8/13 with BoyleSports). The hosts have won to nil in three of their last four matches (Inter Milan win to nil – offered at 10/11).
The Nerazzurri have won both halves in three of their last four matches (Inter Milan to win both halves – valued at 7/5).
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