Prediction: Sampdoria vs Inter Milan

Prediction: Inter Milan win

Best Odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The international break has come to an end and in its place, we have the return of European football across the continent – and that includes Serie A. The shock of seeing Juventus lose their crown last season really has opened things up in the title race and even though we’re just a few weeks into the new campaign, it already seems as if we’re in for a wild one – and that trend is likely to continue when reigning champions Inter Milan take on Sampdoria this weekend.

Sampdoria

From European contenders to mid-table fodder – it’s safe to say Sampdoria fans have been at something of a stalemate in the last few years. They haven’t known whether they’re coming or going and that’s the sort of unpredictability associated with clubs that feel a bit ‘stuck in the mud’. They have a rich history of producing world class players and they need to really get back to the roots of what made their youth system so special back in the day.

Team News

Gabbiadini and Torregrossa have both been ruled out for this one with Caputo being tipped to make his full debut.

Inter Milan

Antonio Conte may no longer be the man in charge, and Romelu Lukaku may be back in the Premier League, but we’re still talking about a club that currently holds the distinction of being the Champions of Italy. That’s no small feat and we’re expecting them to carry that momentum forward into the current campaign – even if they’re probably going to face more competition than ever before.

Team News

Sensi is expected to start up top alongside Dzeko with the only long term absence being Christian Eriksen after what happened at Euro 2020.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in May, Inter beat Sampdoria 5-1.
• Sampdoria have drawn one and lost one of their league games so far this season.
• Inter have won both of their league games so far this season.
• Sampdoria have scored no goals and conceded one in Serie A this season.
• Inter have scored seven goals and conceded one in Serie A this season.

Conclusion

Sampdoria will probably do well to frustrate Inter Milan for long spells of this game but ultimately, we don’t think they’ll do enough to stop the champions from scoring. This isn’t likely to be the kind of encounter we all remember for years to come and instead, it’ll be a performance that highlights the resilience required when trying to defend your title. In short, we’re backing a narrow 1-0 win for Inter Milan.

Prediction: Inter Milan win

Best Odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: 888sport