Serie A preview: CFC Genoa – Inter Milan
Rossoblu regaining momentum
Rossoblu made a less than perfect start to the season with just a single victory from their opening five matches. However, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has slowly picked itself up and stands ninth in the league with 11 points. Rossoblu have won two of their
previous three matches and finally look like a side that could challenge for honours.
Gasperini was under immense pressure to perform following a poor start, last weekend’s victory over Catania at home would have eased out the pressure considerably but Genoa must keep up their good form in order stay in contention of a European spot.
Il Grifone will play reigning Italian champions at Stadio Luigi Ferraris thus giving them the home advantage. On a less optimistic note, Rossoblu have won against the Nerazzuri just Four times in last five decades. However, tonight’s fixture brings an ideal
opportunity for Grifone to close down the gap between themselves and the league leaders.
Closing In On Lazio
Rafa Benitez had some big shoes to fill following his appointment earlier this summer. So far, the Spanish tactician hasn’t been able to make a significant impact. Inter currently stands third in the league with 15 points – 4 points off league leaders Inter
Milan. With just 8 rounds of football played, third place isn’t a bad run of results by any stretch of imagination. However, Benitez needs to regroup his troops and make the most of early season slip ups other Scudetto contenders are making.
Nerazzuri drew 1 – 1 last week with Sampdoria; a result that means Inter cannot go top of the table with a victory. On a more positive note, should Nerazzuri come away with three points, they will out jump Milan in to second spot.
Benitez’s men have scored just 4 goals in last four league outings. Indeed a certain Samuel Eto’o has played the messiah for the team on most occasions. Rafa needs to get his team scoring or they will lag behind in the race for Scudetto honours
Team News
CFC Genoa
Gian Piero Gasperini will have to deal with a host of injury issues. Key first team players in the likes of Miguel Veloso, Rodrigo Palacio, Giuseppe Sculli and Houssine Kharja will not be available for selection because of their respective injuries. Latest
reports indicate that jack Rudolf and Rafael Palladino have joined their teammates on the treatment table.
Expected Formation
Genoa tactician normally plays a 4-3-3 formation but the recent injury crisis will force the manager to tweak his tactics a bit. Gasperini is likely to field his troops in a 4-4-2 formation. Luca Toni and Giandomenico Mesto Gasperini will lead the line while
Marco Rossi and Domenico Criscito will play in the middle of the park.
Probable Line up
Eduardo, Andrea Ranocchia, Dario Dainelli, Emiliano Moretti, Rafinha, Omar Milanetto, Mattia Destro, Marco Rossi, Domenico Criscito, Giandomenico Destro, Luca Toni
Inter Milan
Christian Chivu, Dejan Stankovic, McDonald Mariga, Thiago Motta and David Suazo are out injured for Inter. Diego Milito has recovered from his injury but it’s doubtful if he will feature from the start.
Expected Formation
Inter will take to the field in a familiar 4-3-3 formation with Eto’o playing as the lone striker. Goran Pandev and Coutinho will flank the Cameroonian. Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Wesley Sneijder will form a midfield trident. In defence, David
Santon will feature on the left in Chivu’s absence.
Probable Line up
Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Walter Samuel, Davide Santon, Wesley Sneijder, Esteban Cambiasso, Javier Zanetti, Goran Pandev, Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Eto’o
Key Players
Luca Toni
The bulky forward has failed to deliver for Rossoblu so far this season. With a plethora of first team out injured, Toni will have to step up and score a few for his side. Luca Toni will be up against a colossus in Lucio and their battle would be one to
watch.
Philippe Coutinho
The newest Brazilian on the block, Coutinho, has dazzled the Serie A crowds with his Samba flare and outrageous talent. Coutinho was the man of the match against Sampdoria and assisted Eto’o for the equaliser. More of the same will be expected of the youngster
when Inter take to the field tonight.
Prediction
Under normal circumstances, this match would have been one for the neutrals to rave about. However, Genoa’s injury crisis will leave Inter with the tag of ‘favourites’. A make shift Genoa midfield won’t be able to hold out a talented Inter frontline. Nerazzuri
will win the match by a close 2 – 1 margin.