A new Serie A season is just around the corner and it kicks off with last year’s winner Inter, who hosts midfield clothing Genoa.
In the Nerazzurri, they are the current champions, although a summer of sales and uncertainty means they are not favorites to reach the Serie A summit for a second season in a row.
The departures of Antonio Conte, Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi have stunned the fan base, and the arrival of Simone Inzaghi, Edin Dzeko and Denzel Dumfries has been relatively overwhelming.
New man in attack / Marco Luzzani / Getty Images
The former Lazio coach will be keen to get a winning start against Genoa, and three points would be the perfect medicine to help fans move on from the inspiring Conte and their former favorite Lukaku.
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So can Inter launch the new campaign in a perfect way, or is Genoa waiting to destroy the champions’ initial title defense?
Here is a 90 minute preview of the game.
When is the kick-off? Saturday 21 August What time is the kick-off? 17:30 (BST)Where is it played? San SiroTV channel / livestream? BT Sport 1 (UK and ROI), bet365 app (UK and ROI), Paramount + (USA)
Replace red and black for blue and black / Marco Luzzani / Getty Images
Lots of fat to chew on for Inzaghi on his way into his opening game as Inter boss. Immediate problems arise in the attack, as he aims to stop the gap left by Lukaku’s departure. Dzeko has arrived from AS Roma and can start top, but there will be no Lautaro Martinez next to him, who is suspended.
Christian Eriksen is not available as he continues to recover after a shocking cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, while Alexis Sanchez is not suitable to choose. Inzaghi can turn to kid Martin Satriano for his partner Dzeko, although he may prefer to play Hakan Calhanoglu behind the Bosnian.
Genoa coach Davide Ballardini is blessed with an almost completely fit squad, although he will have to do without Mattia Bani and Valon Behrami, who are both suspended for the season’s opening match.
Inter: Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Brozovic, Sensi, Perisic; Calhanoglu, Dzeko.
Genoa: Sirigu; Biraschi, Radovanovic, Criscito; Sabelli, Badelj, Rovella, Czyborra; Hernani; Destro, Pandev.
Lukaku and Martinez had fun against Genoa / Socrates Images / Getty Images
It is safe to say that Inter fans have been looking forward to this match in recent seasons. The Nerazzurri have not lost to Genoa in the league since February 2018, when the underdogs took a 2-0 shock.
Since then, Inter have won all six meetings – with a total score of 21-0. It is difficult to argue for Genoa with such statistics …
Ready to prove he’s the man / Mattia Ozbot / Getty Images
Inter are not enthusiastic about reaching the heights they reached last season, but beating Genoa on opening day should not be a bridge too far for Inzaghi and his stars.
We think I Nerazzurri should get the job done against Genoa, but do not expect it to be too straight forward given the damage and suspensions in the attack. Dzeko should lead the line, and we back him up to get on the results list.
Prediction: Inter 2-0 Genoa
