The Nerazzurri are back at the Meazza on Sunday night to host Genoa in an attempt to exorcise the demons of the mauling at the San Paolo last match-week.

Giant-killers Genoa come to the Meazza looking to cement their reputation this season. The Nerazzurri on the other hand come off an inconsequential yet possibly moral boosting win in their final Europa League encounter this season.

Pioli certainly tinkered with his seemingly preferred formation of 4-2-3-1 in the Europa league and fielded an apparent 3-4-3, and all signs seem to point to the fact that he will opt for the same module for this game. While no Inter fan will ever be happy seeing a back three having seen it fail under both Mazzarri and Gasperini’s tenures, Pioli seems to be optimistic about it and one can only hope that it’s part of a bigger plan and not just a knee-jerk reaction to the Napoli loss.

Team News

With Ansaldi suspended it looks like Nagatomo may take his place on the left flank as wide man, while on the other side, it seems like a toss-up between either Eder or Biabiany as Candreva’s partner on the flank.

Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (3-4-3) Handanovic; Miranda, Murillo, D’Ambrosio; Biabiany, Joao Mario, Brozovic, Nagatomo; Candreva, Perisic, Icardi (C).

Stats
Last Season: Inter 1 – 0 Genoa
Last 10 Head to Head: in the last ten Serie A meetings between both sides only two have ended in a draw, with Inter winning five of the matches versus Genoa’s three wins.

Player to Watch:

Mauro Icardi: It’s now time for the young captain to show his leadership credentials yet again. While his scoring ability has never been in doubt, we have always wondered whether he has what it takes to lead the team on and off the pitch. This is the time to pull get his teammates to pull their heads out of their behinds and start fulfilling their potential.

Officials
Referee: Paolo Valeri Assistants: Longo, Ranghetti Fourth Official: Preti Additional Assistants: Pairetto and Magnaniello

Prediction & Authors Note

Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-1 Genoa with Icardi and Candreva getting the goals.

Author’s Note: While Genoa do not like being pressed, but they’ve also shown themselves more than capable of surprising Serie A big hitters, beating Juventus and Milan and drawing with Napoli at the Marassi. It is very important to realise though, that their away form is abysmal.


Words: Mo Nassar – Follow him @MNassar