Fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling clash as Inter Milan hosts Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday evening, February 22, 2025. With kick-off scheduled for 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT), this Serie A encounter holds immense significance for both sides, albeit for different reasons.
Inter Milan enters the match amid pressure to secure victory after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Juventus last weekend. This loss has left the Nerazzurri trailing league leaders Napoli by two points, intensifying the urgency for them to reclaim their form. Simone Inzaghi’s side, which has experienced fluctuations in performance lately, can’t afford another setback. Following this derby disappointment, they also face the upcoming challenge of facing Napoli next week for what could be a title-deciding showdown.
Despite having lost two of their last three matches, Inter’s record against Genoa offers hope. Historically, Inter has dominated this fixture, winning 23 out of the last 36 meetings. The last contest between the two teams ended in a 2-2 draw back in August 2024.
Conversely, Genoa arrives at the San Siro buoyed by their recent 2-0 victory against relegation-threatened Venezia. This win not only marked the end of their two-game winless streak but also lifted them comfortably out of the relegation zone, providing them with renewed confidence. Managed by Patrick Vieira, Genoa currently sits mid-table and is hopeful for their first top-half finish since the 2014/15 season.
Inter’s squad will be missing key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who fractured his thumb during training. Josep Martinez is poised to make his Serie A debut as he takes the reins between the posts against his former club. The injury list also includes Marcus Thuram and Carlos Augusto, with Nicolas Barella poised to play cautiously, being just one yellow card away from suspension.
On the tactical front, Joaquin Correa is expected to assume the attacking role alongside Lautaro Martinez, replacing Thuram. This duo will need to find the net to alleviate some of the mounting pressure on the team as they prepare for their next couple of high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, there will be shifts within the midfield, with Kristjan Asllani stepping up for Hakan Calhanoglu, who is not at full fitness.
For Genoa, the absence of key players such as Milan Badelj and Vitinha raises questions about their ability to replicate their recent success. Their lineup, which remains largely unchanged since their last victory, will look to exploit any defensive frailties presented by Inter. Pinamonti will be leading the charge for Genoa, supported by players like Maxwel Cornet and Messias.
Both teams approach this match with contrasting objectives. For Inter, the three points are non-negotiable as they seek to reignite their title defense. For Genoa, the ambition lies more with proving their resilience against one of the league's top sides. Statistical evidence hints at Inter's strong home record, having won their last ten encounters against Genoa at home. This sets the stage for what many are predicting to be another assertive performance from the Nerazzurri.
Fans and analysts alike are anticipating how this match will define the course of the season for both squads, fueling debates over potential tactics and key battles on the pitch. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Inter as they look to turn their season around and keep their championship hopes alive.
This encounter is not just another game; it’s pivotal for Inter’s self-belief and Genoa’s ambition to rise through the ranks of Serie A.