Preview: Genoa vs. Inter Milan - prediction, team news, lineups

Inter Milan make the trip to Genoa on Saturday having seen their Serie A title hopes ended with a run of three draws from five outings.

Meanwhile, Genoa welcome Antonio Conte's side to Luigi Ferraris Stadium having moved four points clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

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While Inter have put together a five-match unbeaten streak since the early days of July, three draws have cost the club a chance of chasing down leaders Juventus.

The defending champions require just one victory from their last four matches to ensure that Inter have to go another year without reclaiming a trophy which they last won in 2010.

Nevertheless, combined with wanting to respond to Wednesday's hugely disappointing goalless draw at home to Fiorentina, Conte will be eager to end the season above the likes of Atalanta BC and Lazio.

With no danger of losing their Champions League place for next season, there is freedom to throw more caution to the wind, as well as hand each of his players opportunities ahead of trying to win the Europa League next month.

The pressure is also growing on Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku, who have netted just three goals between them since the beginning of the month.

As far as Genoa are concerned, three wins from four matches have put the club in a position where one more triumph may be enough to avoid relegation to Serie B.

Following on from important victories over rivals SPAL and Lecce, Davide Nicola's team back that form up with a brilliant win against in-form neighbours Sampdoria in midweek.

With Sassuolo and Hellas Verona to follow the meeting with Inter, I Rossoblu still have plenty of work to do, aware that a couple of defeats may also lead to Lecce cutting the gap with regards to goal difference.

However, one more point will leave Lecce requiring at least two wins from three, a scenario which may prove too demanding at this stage of the campaign.

Genoa Serie A form: DLWLWW

Inter Milan Serie A form: LDWWDD

Team News

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Martinez could be handed a recall to the Inter attack, potentially as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez.

However, Conte will be without Nicolo Barella through suspension, while Stefan de Vrij is also expected to miss out after his early withdrawal against Fiorentina.

Alessandro Bastoni and Marcelo Brozovic appear to be best placed to come back into the starting lineup.

Genoa will have to make do without Lukas Lerager, who will serve a one-match ban for 10 yellow cards.

Valon Behrami is the natural replacement for the Dane in the centre of the pitch.

Edoardo Goldaniga could also start ahead of Cristian Romero in the middle of the backline.

Genoa possible starting lineup: Perin; Biraschi, Goldaniga, Masiello, Criscito; Falque, Behrami, Schone, Jagiello; Pandev, Pinamonti

Inter Milan possible starting lineup: Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, Bastoni, Godin; Candreva, Gagliadini, Brozovic, Young; Eriksen; Martinez, Lukaku

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We say: Genoa 1-2 Inter Milan

Given Inter's recent inconsistency, we expect this contest to be much closer than many would have anticipated a few weeks ago. However, we feel that the visitors will be determined to claim the runners-up spot, resulting in a gritty display on Saturday.