Torino vs Genoa
Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, Torino
Thursday, 16-07-2020 @8:30pm
Ref: Gianlucca Rocchi
This is a surprisingly crucial relegation showdown, because only four points separate them and these are the teams hovering just above the drop zone.
Genoa had plunged into the bottom three last week, but managed to clamber their way back out by beating rock bottom SPAL 2-0, as Lecce were held 0-0 by Cagliari.
It’s still very much in the balance, though, and this result could decide who is in the thick of this battle to the very end.
As for Torino, the 3-1 win over Brescia took them away from trouble, but without much of a buffer, as they immediately then went back to losing ways against Inter.
That means they have lost four of their last five matches. Simone Zaza returns after he sat out the Inter trip with a ban, so should give Andrea Belotti some more support.
Genoa have lost each of their last four Serie A meetings with Torino, but only lost five in a row against them in 1977 and 1982.
SPAL vs Inter Milan
Stadio Paolo Mazza, Ferrara
Thursday, 16-07-2020 @10:45pm
Ref: Antonio Giua
Inter climbed up to second place alongside Lazio, but are yet to prove they can play well with Christian Eriksen and Milan Skriniar starting, so facing rock bottom SPAL is an ideal opportunity.
Antonio Conte made his point after the defeat to Bologna and draw with Hellas Verona, dropping Eriksen and Skriniar from the starting XI for a return to the 3-5-2 formation he prefers.
Romelu Lukaku was also absent at the weekend due to a slight muscular problem, and remains in doubt, while Diego Godin is suspended.
SPAL are practically relegated already and their approach to the 2-0 defeat against Genoa really reflected that. Gigi Di Biagio has failed to lift their spirits since replacing Leonardo Semplici and the results have if anything got worse under his tenure.
SPAL have not beaten Inter in Serie A since 1962, managing three draws and 12 defeats.
Serie A recent results
Monday, 13-07-2020
-Inter Milan 3-1 Torino
Tuesday, 14-07-2020
-Atalanta 6-2 Brescia
Wednesday, 15-07-2020
-AC Milan 3-1 Parma
-Bologna 1-1 Napoli
-Sampdoria 3-0 Cagliari
-AS Roma 2-1 Hellas Verona
-Sassuolo 3-3 Juventus
-Udinese 0-0 Lazio
-Lecce 1-2 Fiorentina
