Pressures and opportunities for Inter.
On January 6, 2024, a key match of the 20th round of Serie A will be played at the Meazza Stadium, with leaders Inter Milan taking on Verona in the relegation zone. It was a seemingly unsuspenseful game, but in reality, Inter Milan could not afford to take it lightly as they faced a lot of pressure and opportunity.
The pressure came from a 1-1 draw at Genoa at Inter Milan, ending a four-game winning streak in Serie A and shrinking the top spot to two points, with Juventus and Roma in hot pursuit. If Inter lose another point in this game, they could lose their lead and even be eliminated from the title race. Inter Milan are aiming to win the Serie A title for the first time since 2010 and they cannot drop the chain at a crucial moment or they will face dissatisfaction and doubts from the fans.
Opportunity comes from the weakness of their opponents, Verona are the relegation favourites in Serie A, their record is miserable, with just one win in their last 17 games, including two draws and seven defeats in their last nine away games, and their attack and defense are among the worst in the league. Inter Milan have the absolute advantage, winning their last six meetings and are unbeaten in their last 25 matches with Verona, winning 21 and drawing four, and have never lost to Verona at the Meazza Stadium. Inter Milan have the chance to win big in this game and secure their position at the top of the table, while boosting their confidence and morale.
Inter Milan's injuries and adjustments.
Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte said in his pre-match press conference that he was confident in the game, but also admitted that the team had some injury problems and needed to make some adjustments. Inter Milan's two main players, Dimarco and Lautaro, are absent due to injury, and the two have a particularly great impact on the team's attack, Dimarco is the team's left core and Lautaro is the team's top scorer, and their absence has greatly reduced Inter's forward strength.
Conte said he would choose the right formation and personnel depending on the characteristics of his opponent and the situation of his team, revealing that he could use a 3-5-2 formation, with Thuram Jr. and Calhanoglu partnering up front, with both of them having excellent pace and technique to cause problems at the backline. In midfield, Conte will continue to trust the combination of Brozovic, Barella and Vidal, who can play at both ends of the pitch while supporting the break-ins and crosses of Achraf and Perisic on the wings. At the back, Conte will use a central defence-back of Skriniar, De Vrij and Bastoni, who will be able to ensure the team's defensive stability while being involved in the team's play and attack.
Verona's counter-attack and hope.
Verona manager Juric said in his pre-match press conference that he does not have much to expect from this game, but will not give up resistance, and he hopes that the team can cause some problems for Inter Milan away from home, and even fight for a surprise result. Juric said that he knows that Inter Milan are a strong opponent, they have good coaches and players, their strength and form are far better than Verona, but football is a sport full of uncertainties, anything can happen, Verona will not give up easily, they will try their best to fight and fight.
Juric said he would use a 4-3-3 formation to allow his team to focus on counter-attacks, taking advantage of mistakes and gaps to create a threat to the opposition. As for Verona, Duda will play at right-back when he returns from suspension, and his experience and ability are important support for the team. In attack, Ngonggo and Djulic both have some impact, and they are able to use their pace and power to put pressure on the opposition backline. In midfield, the combination of Serti, Ilic and Veloso was able to resist the opposition's midfield pressure to a certain extent, while providing support for the forwards. At the back, Juric will use a four-man central defender of Manini, Ceciarini, Lofrato and Duda, who will be tasked with trying to stop the opposition and protect their own goal.
** and conclusion of the game.
Inter Milan will undoubtedly be the dominant side in this game, they have stronger strength and higher morale, they will be aiming to win the game and consolidate their position at the top of the table, they will not give their opponents any chance. Hellas Verona are the absolute underdogs, they have weaker strength and lower confidence, and their goal is to keep their dignity and fight for an unbeaten result, and they will not give up easily. The score of this match is expected to be Inter Milan 4-0 Verona, Inter Milan will continue their domination over Verona, who will continue to be mired in relegation.