Inter Milan begin title defence with away fixture against Genoa in Serie A opener
Reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan kick off the new 2024-25 season on Saturday afternoon at 17:30 (GMT+1) with an away fixture against Genoa CFC at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. The Nerazzurri, who amassed an impressive 94 points last season, are looking to set the tone immediately in their title defence, while Genoa — who finished eleventh last season — will be hoping to cause an upset from the off.
Inter Milan looking to extend remarkable campaign
After an exceptional season in which Inter Milan accumulated 94 points — the second-highest points tally in the club's history — manager Simone Inzaghi enters the new campaign brimming with confidence. The Italian remains at the helm and has further strengthened his squad over the summer through a series of targeted signings. Davide Frattesi was already brought in from Sassuolo last season for €29 million, while Josep Martínez was signed for €14 million from this weekend's very opponents, Genoa. Inter also added Carlos Augusto (€13 million, Monza), Piotr Zieliński (free transfer, Napoli) and Marko Arnautović, who was permanently secured for €8 million. In attack, Inzaghi again turns to Lautaro Martínez — last season's Serie A MVP with 24 goals — and Marcus Thuram. The duo form the striking partnership in Inzaghi's trusted 3-5-2 system. Inter also carry an appealing statistic into the match: the Milanese club have gone ten games unbeaten against Genoa, with eight wins and two draws.
Genoa hoping for a flying start despite uncertain summer
For Genoa CFC, it is another season at the top level following their return from the lower divisions. Last season the club finished in an impressive eleventh place, and manager Alberto Gilardino is keen to build on that by targeting another top-half finish. Pre-season was promising: Genoa won four of their five friendlies and carried that form into the Coppa Italia, where they beat Reggiana 1-0. In the transfer market, significant changes were made. Defender Koni De Winter (22) was brought in from Juventus, and forward Vitinha (24) was signed from Olympique de Marseille. On the other hand, top scorer Mateo Retegui departed for €22 million to Atalanta. Albert Guðmundsson, last season's leading scorer at the club, also remains uncertain about his future; the 27-year-old forward is being linked with a move to Fiorentina. Gilardino is expected to opt for a 4-4-2 formation, with Junior Messias and new signing Vitinha leading the line. However, Genoa carry a less encouraging record into the opener: their last two competitive season curtain-raisers both ended in defeat.
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Source: Sportmonks
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