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I am aiming for a more positive approach this week after Monday's depressing display at home to Chievo. So, to start things off let's take solace in the fact that Inter did not just lose to Sassuolo, fire its manager and hire a 37-year-old with absolutely no coaching experience.
That feels a little better already, doesn't it? Well, the Nerazzurri are not going to lift any trophies this season but we can take some pleasure in the gong show taking place at Milanello.
That's what we've been reduced to ladies and gents, Schadenfreude at its worst, or best depending on your level of cynicism.
Anyway, next up on the Walter Mazzarri Reclamation Project tour is date in Genoa. The Marassi has been very hospitable to the boys, who have won four out of their last six games there while giving us some memorable moments like this:
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Inter has not lost to Genoa in Serie A play in 13 games since 2007 so let's hope the good times continue to roll against the Rossoblu, although the 2-0 victory in the opening round of the current campaign seems like ages ago.
This is probably the most optimal opponent we could meet in the face of our current predicament and, while a win won't solve our plethora of problems overnight, it should provide a small measure of relief as our squad still searches for its identity.
THE VITALS
Date: Sunday, January 19
Time: 9:00 ET
Venue: The Marassi
BATTLE DOSSIER
Inter Probable Formation: 3-5-1-1: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Rolando, Juan Jesus; Jonathan, Taider, Cambiasso, Alvarez, Nagatomo; Guarin; Palacio
Genoa Probable Formation: 3-4-3: Bizzarri; Antonini, De Maio, Marchese; Vrsaljko, Biondini, Cabral, Antonelli; Konate, Gilardino, Bertolacci
Unavailable For Duty: Mazzarri has the luxury of picking from a fully fit squad with the exception of Mauro Icardi, who is nursing a groin injury from doing who knows what with Wanda Nara.
Operation Genoa Salami: The objective is to solve the hunger crisis that is running rampant and wild within the squad by ransacking Genoa and reaping the spoils of victory.
Enemy Of The State: Alberto Gilardino loves to harass and harangue Inter and the former Milan striker has scored three goals in his last four Serie A games against the Beneamata. Let's make sure this trend vanishes the way of Vuarnet shirts and Reebok Pumps.
Fear Factor: 7: Genoa is as scary as the pudgy, homely looking girl who hasn't had any meaningful action for quite some time now and senses our young hero is sapped of his confidence and is more vulnerable than he probably will ever be, as she gets ready to pounce on her demoralized victim.
Medal Of Honor: Inter needs somebody, anybody to step up and lead it to a morale-boosting triumph. I wouldn't object if Palacio decides to score against his old side.
If Inter Wins: I will savor the Black Magic Woman Russian Imperial Stouts that are sitting in my fridge and might be convinced to have one too many, which could leave me seeing Double at the Triple Rock.
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If Inter Loses: I will bemoan what a Mad World we live in before crying myself to sleep.
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Likely Outcome: Ugly things happen when your confidence is low and I expect some sorry scenes on Sunday. I think the good guys end up on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline despite our dominance over Genoa in recent years.