Inter, buoyed by the Champions League draw that has paved the way for the Italian champions to reach Munich, welcomes Genoa, a team that has already nearly secured its primary objective—staying in Serie A. Meanwhile, Milan faces a much tougher challenge in Turin, especially considering that the Rossoneri’s struggles this season began with their match against Torino. Tonight, Inter has another chance to reclaim the top spot in the league table, at least for one night, as Napoli plays tomorrow against Como.The Biscione against the Grifone 🆚#ForzaInter #InterGenoa pic.twitter.com/aHgjKCF6fT— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) February 22, 2025 It so happens that Inter’s first-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer, along with the club’s medical staff, decided to undergo surgery on his injured finger. The Swiss keeper will miss the match against Napoli and both Champions League encounters with Feyenoord. Inter hopes Sommer will be available for the match against Atalanta on March 17. As a result, Martínez will make his debut in goal for Inter against his former club. The Spanish goalkeeper remains an enigma for the Nerazzurri this season. Simone Inzaghi personally insisted that Marotta and Ausilio sign him. Inter, known to have a very limited budget due to financial constraints and UEFA’s financial fair play regulations, spent a hefty 13 million on a goalkeeper who will stand between the posts for the first time in Serie A tonight.Osimhen‘s name in the suspicious transfers trialHowever, more than goalkeeper Martínez, Inter is worried about their captain, Lautaro Martínez. Genoa is the only club in Serie A against which “Toro” has never scored. He has played 481 minutes against the Grifone and has failed to find the back of the net. Additionally, after a strong start to 2025, Lautaro has stalled again, failing to score in his last four matches. The numbers are merciless. After 25 rounds in last season’s championship, the Nerazzurri captain had already scored 22 goals, whereas now, he stands at just nine. In each of the past three seasons, Lautaro has consistently scored over 20 league goals, but reaching that milestone this time will be a major challenge.Inter risking their title bid with an underperforming squadTo make matters worse, Genoa boasts a rock-solid defense. Since Patrick Vieira replaced Alberto Gilardino, the Ligurian side has recorded seven clean sheets in 13 matches. Statistics favor Inter, as they have won ten consecutive home matches against Genoa with a combined goal difference of 27-2. However, the Italian champions have suffered as many defeats in their last three league matches—two—as they had in their previous 54 Serie A games.Marcus Thuram and Carlos Augusto are also injured, and Inzaghi might rotate some players, considering that next week, they face Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals. There’s a good chance that Asllani or Zieliński could replace Çalhanoğlu in midfield, while it seems almost certain that Correa will start. Arnautović is still recovering, and as time passes, Taremi is becoming an increasingly disappointing signing for Inter.What a draw! Liverpool vs PSG, Real against AtleticoThere is also a possibility of surprises in Inter’s lineup, as Barella, Bastoni, and Mkhitaryan are just one yellow card away from suspension. If they receive another booking tonight, they would have to miss next weekend’s crucial clash against Napoli at the Maradona Stadium. Genoa, on the other hand, has several unavailable players. The absence of Badelj and Thorsby is particularly significant, and Vieira will also be without Ahanra and Vitinha.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 26Friday Lecce – Udinese 0-1 (0-1)/Lucca 32 pen/Saturday 17.00: (4.10) Parma (3.50) Bologna (1.92)17.00: (5.50) Venezia (3.70) Lazio (1.67)20.00: (3.90) Torino (3.45) Milan (2.10)22.45: (1.28) Inter (5.40) Genoa (12.0)Sunday 14.30: (3.50) Como (3.35) Napoli (2.25)17.00: (4.30) Verona (3.60) Fiorentina (1.95)20.00: (6.00) Empoli (4.20) Atalanta (1.60)22.45: (4.20) Cagliari (3.50) Juventus (1.90)Monday 22.45: (1.32) Roma (5.10) Monza (10.0)***odds are subject to change***
