Lugano vs Inter Milan Predictions

Inter Milan face their traditional curtain-raiser on Sunday, as they head to face Swiss side Lugano. This fixture has become a regular one for the Nerazzurri over recent seasons, after playing it in 2016 and 2018. The Nerazzurri are back again this summer, with new boss Antonio Conte in tow. The Italian has been charged with taking Inter back to the very top of Serie A, but how is he going to adjust to life in charge of one of Italy’s biggest sides? After a turbulent summer, can he get started with a victory?

The hosts are facing another season in the Swiss Super League, while they will be looking forward to European football this term. They finished up in third last season to secure a Europa League berth, but their hopes of finishing any higher were hampered by struggles in defence. Lugano conceded 1.36 goals per game in the Super League, conceding in 75% of their matches despite being one of the league’s top sides. Will their issues at the back continue against Inter Milan?

The visitors are seeing plenty of change this summer, with Conte trying to bring in a new feel about Inter. They are set to start with a 3-4-3 system, given Conte’s preference for playing with three central defenders. However, can he get them flying in that system from the off? This isn’t a squad which took well to non-competitive matches last summer, winning one of four friendlies. With Conte pushing them in a new direction, can the highly-rated boss inspire them to another success against Lugano?

Inter’s approach in this one should be interesting, with some of their top defenders missing. They are likely to start with a weaker backline than Conte would have wanted, but up front the likes of Matteo Politano, Ivan Perisic and Joao Mario remain. There’s ability going forward for the Nerazzurri, but the question is how long will it take Conte to sort their defence?

Lugano have that same issue bugging them after last season’s record. In their three preseason matches so far, Lugano have seen plenty of goals. They’ve seen score draws in their last two games, while both teams have scored in all three games to date. With their defence wide open they should concede again here, but they have the edge in terms of fitness with three matches behind them. That’s inspired us to back both teams to score in this game.