As the Serie A season heats up, reigning champions Inter Milan travel to face Hellas Verona in a crucial match that could have significant implications for both ends of the table. With just two points separating the top six teams, Inter aim to maintain their title defense, while Verona desperately seek to halt their alarming slide down the standings.
Inter Milan find themselves in a tightly contested battle at the top of Serie A, currently sitting fourth but within striking distance of the summit. The Nerazzurri’s recent form has been solid, with three wins and two draws in their last five league matches. However, a disappointing 1-1 draw against league leaders Napoli before the international break prevented them from claiming the top spot.
Simone Inzaghi’s men have been particularly impressive on the road this season, and a victory at the Stadio Bentegodi would put them just two away wins shy of matching the club’s top-flight record of 13 in a calendar year. Inter’s attacking prowess has been evident in their recent visits to Verona, having scored in their last 13 trips to the venue.
In stark contrast to their visitors, Hellas Verona find themselves in a precarious position near the bottom of the table. The Gialloblu have lost four of their last five matches and currently possess the worst defensive record in Serie A, conceding an average of 2.25 goals per game.
Paolo Zanetti’s side sit just three points above the relegation zone, and their leaky defense faces a stern test against Inter’s potent attack. Verona’s only recent bright spot was a surprising 3-2 victory over Roma, but they failed to build on that result, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Fiorentina in their last outing.
The historical record heavily favors Inter Milan in this fixture. Verona has lost 40 league matches against the Nerazzurri, claiming victory on just four occasions. Even more daunting for the hosts is the fact that they haven’t beaten Inter in Serie A for 26 consecutive matches, a streak they’ll be desperate to end on Saturday.
For Inter, Marcus Thuram has been in scintillating form this season and will look to continue his goal-scoring exploits. Verona will pin their hopes on Benfica loanee Casper Tengstedt, who has managed four goals despite limited opportunities.
Expect Inter to dominate possession and press high, looking to exploit Verona’s defensive frailties. The hosts may opt for a more conservative approach, hoping to frustrate Inter and hit them on the counter-attack.
Team News
Inter Milan will be without key midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who picked up an injury during international duty. This absence could see either Davide Frattesi or Kristjan Asllani step into the starting lineup. The return of wing-back Carlos Augusto from injury provides a boost to Inzaghi’s options.
Captain Lautaro Martinez, who has an excellent scoring record against Verona, may be rested after his late return from international duty. This could open the door for either Mehdi Taremi or Marko Arnautovic to partner Marcus Thuram in attack.
Verona face several injury concerns, with midfield lynchpin Ondrej Duda sidelined until December. Pawel Dawidowicz, Juan Cruz, and Martin Frese remain unavailable, but Dailon Livramento returns from suspension to bolster the squad.
Expected Starting XIs
Verona: Montipo; Tchatchoua, Coppola, Magnani, Bradaric; Belahyane, Serdar; Suslov, Kastanos, Lazovic; Tengstedt
Inter: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Match Prediction
Given the contrasting form and quality of the two sides, Inter Milan enters this match as strong favorites. Verona’s home advantage could provide some resistance, but the champions’ superior firepower and Verona’s defensive struggles point towards an away victory.
Prediction: Verona 0-2 Inter
