Inter could revamp their tactics as they host a Genoa side that has already beaten Milan and Juventus this season.
This match pits an Inter side sitting in 10th place in the league against Genoa, only one point behind them in 11th and with a game in hand. With the winter break approaching, the middle of the table is as closely fought as ever with only nine points between seventh and 16th place, so both clubs will want a strong run of December results.
The two sides enjoyed spectacular victories in Week 14, Inter a pulsating 4-2 over Fiorentina and Genoa a famous 3-1 against Juventus, though both fell flat the following round. Genoa at least managed a point in a tepid 0-0 draw with Chievo, but Inter were utterly outclassed in a 3-0 defeat at Napoli, highlighting the unpredictable form that the two clubs have been in this season.
Stefano Pioli, keen to shore up a leaky central defence, has made changes to his predecessor Frank de Boer’s midfield since his appointment as Inter Coach. The out of favour Marcelo Brozovic has been partnered with Geoffrey Kondogbia in defensive midfield with Ever Banega playing a central attacking midfield role.
Although this had the desired effect against Milan and Fiorentina, Napoli exploited the changed impetus, and utilised the wings to great effect in the build up to all three of their goals. It will be interesting to see if the Coach sticks with the same formation against a Genoa team that likes to line up with both wingers and wingbacks.
A clue may well have been in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Sparta Prague, which saw Pioli unveil a 3-4-3 system. It could be risky to effectively mirror Genoa’s tactics, as this is a side that has been playing with this shape for years and has it down to a tee.
Early season injuries to Genoa’s key man Leonardo Pavoletti had fans fearing the worst, yet bizarrely Il Grifone have notched two wins and a draw in his absence. Much of this has been attributed to the introduction of 21-year-old Argentine Giovanni Simeone up front, although surely even Coach Ivan Juric could not have expected such a dramatic win over Juventus. Whilst the following draw to Chievo may have been disappointing, Juric may rightfully attribute this to fatigue, having played out an exhausting 4-3 Coppa Italia match only four days previously. The Coach will most likely stick with the formula that has served him well in recent weeks.
If Genoa are to pick up points at the Stadio Meazza, they will not only have to do so without Pavoletti, but also the suspended Lucas Orban. Juric will be desperately hoping that his second choice left-centre-back, Ezequiel Munoz, recovers from a knock to the foot by Sunday’s fixture or he may have a defensive crisis on his hands.
Pioli also has limited options in defence with both first choice full-backs Davide Santon and Cristian Ansaldi injured and suspended respectively. To make matters worse, the Inter Coach’s experiment of playing Gary Medel at centre-back was cut short by an injury that has the Chilean out until the New Year, forcing a fourth defensive reshuffle in five matches.
With both squads’ form the epitome of inconsistency, this match could go in any direction. Whilst past games suggest that Inter have an edge, the reverse fixtures have seen Genoa go unbeaten since 2011. Regardless of the final result, this Sunday will be an opportunity to gain further insight as to whether Simeone is the real deal or a flash in the pan. Adding even further intrigue, he will be lining up against fellow Argentine striker Mauro Icardi and their battle for supremacy will undoubtedly have a significant bearing on which side comes out on top.
Keep an eye on: Giovanni Simeone (Genoa) – The son of Inter legend Diego Simeone was the talk of Serie A after his two goals against Juventus. Whilst he was unable to repeat this feat against Chievo, his goal in the Coppa Italia suggests that he has picked up the scoring mantle in the absence of first choice striker Leonardo Pavoletti.
Form Guide: Inter (L W D W L) Genoa (D W L D L)
Last season: Inter 1-0 Genoa
Stat fact: Genoa have not beaten Inter at San Siro since a 3-1 result in March 1994, followed by three draws and 10 defeats in all competition. That includes an epic 5-4 thriller in April 2012.
Top tip: Inter to win, both teams to score.
Inter (probable): Handanovic; Ranocchia, Miranda, Murillo; D’Ambrosio, Brozovic, Banega, Joao Mario; Candreva, Icardi, Perisic
Suspended: Ansaldi
Genoa (probable): Perin; Izzo, Burdisso, Munoz; Lazovic, Rincon, Veloso, Laxalt; Rigoni; Simeone, Ocampos
