Inter vs Genoa: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 28 February 2026
The 27th round of the 2025/26 Italian Serie A will take place on Saturday, 28 February, at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan. This clash will see league leaders Inter face off against Genoa. Despite their favorite status, the Nerazzurri approach this game in a somewhat ambiguous psychological state, giving the visitors a real chance to challenge the giants.
- See also: Trabzonspor vs Fatih Karagumruk: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 27 February 2026
Match preview
Under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, Inter confidently top the Serie A table with a 10-point lead, unbeaten in the league since late November. However, this week the Nerazzurri suffered a true shock, crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Norway's Bodø/Glimt (a 1–2 home loss and 2–5 on aggregate). This setback snapped their long unbeaten streak and sparked talk among fans about a potential slump. Nevertheless, Inter remain flawless in the league: last round they defeated Lecce (2–0), and before that, they demolished Sassuolo (5–0) and edged Juventus (3–2).
Squad issues remain a serious concern for the hosts. The biggest blow is the loss of captain and top scorer Lautaro Martínez, sidelined with a left leg injury until at least the end of March. Chivu will also be without key midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu and defender Alessandro Bastoni due to injuries. In Lautaro's absence, the attacking burden will fall on Marcus Thuram and Pio Esposito. It's critically important for Inter to quickly bounce back in front of their fans after their European fiasco to prevent their league pursuers from closing the gap.
Genoa, now led by Daniele De Rossi (who replaced Alberto Gilardino), sit 14th in the standings with 27 points. The team is showing resilience and gradually stabilizing their play. In the previous round, the Griffins confidently dispatched Torino (3–0), a perfect response after losing to Napoli and drawing with Cremonese. De Rossi has instilled a bolder style of play, with Genoa unafraid to press even the league's top sides.
Genoa do have some personnel problems: Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Sebastian Otoa will miss the match due to injuries. Nonetheless, the return of experienced campaigners and the momentum from their big win over Torino make the visitors a dangerous opponent. Genoa know how to defend effectively and strike on the counter, and Inter’s current psychological vulnerability and the absence of their main attacking threat in Martínez give De Rossi an excellent chance to snatch points at San Siro.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Over 2 goals have been scored in five of Inter’s last six matches.
- Inter have scored first in six of their last eight matches.
- More than two goals have also been scored in four of Genoa’s last five matches.
- Genoa have lost just two of their last nine matches.
- In the reverse fixture, Inter beat Genoa away 2–1.
Probable lineups
- Inter: Sommer – Bisseck, de Vrij, Bastoni – Henrique, Frattesi, Zieliński, Sučić, Dimarco – Thuram, Pio Esposito
- Genoa: Bijlow – Marcandalli, Østigård, Vásquez – Ellertsson, Baldanzi, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Sabelli – Colombo, Ekuban
Prediction
I expect an open, high-scoring game. Inter will take the pitch with maximum motivation to wash away their Champions League embarrassment and will attack in numbers, inevitably leaving space at the back. De Rossi’s Genoa is in a place where they aren’t afraid to take risks and know how to capitalize on their chances. The recent stats only reinforce the likelihood of a goal-filled encounter. My prediction: total goals over 2.5.
