Inter Milan's Unbeaten Pre-Season Faces Challenge from Real Betis

Inter Milan bring an unbeaten pre-season to Bari on Saturday, but there is a catch. Cristian Chivu’s side have not kept a single clean sheet all summer. Every opponent so far – Karlsruher SC, Manchester City, Milan and Juventus – has found a way through once.

Real Betis arrive more than capable of extending that streak.

The Spaniards, fifth in La Liga last term and back in the Champions League after 20 years away, have rattled in 14 goals across seven friendlies. They thrashed Lyon 4-0, beat Arsenal 3-1 and shared a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in a series of open, attacking contests.

This Ferragosto fixture at the Stadio San Nicola pitches the Serie A and Coppa Italia holders against a Betis team that has rediscovered its edge. It should not be cagey.

Inter to edge it, but both nets to bulge

Inter’s summer record reads well: wins over Karlsruher SC and Juventus, draws with Milan and Manchester City – the latter eventually beaten on penalties in Hong Kong. The Nerazzurri have quietly gone about their work, but six goals in four matches hints at a side still cranking up the attacking gears.

That is about to change. Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, both absent from the Asian tour after the World Cup, are back in full training and expected to start together. With that pair restored, Inter’s frontline suddenly looks far more like the one that powered them to the double last season.

Defensively, though, Chivu’s back line has been consistently breached. Four games, four goals conceded. That trend, combined with Betis’ form in front of goal, points strongly towards both teams scoring again.

The market reflects Inter’s status as favourites, but there is room for value. Inter to win and both teams to score is priced at 21/10 with BoyleSports, implying a probability of just 32.26%. Given Inter’s superior quality, their home advantage in Bari and Betis’ attacking rhythm, that combination stands out as the headline play.

Inter Milan vs Real Betis Bet 1: Inter Milan to win & Both teams to score @ 21/10 with BoyleSports

Deossa’s audition in front of watching scouts

If Betis have been fun this summer, Nelson Deossa has been the main reason.

With Cédric Bakambu departed and Cucho Hernández on extended leave, Manuel Pellegrini turned to the Colombian as a false nine in his 4-2-3-1. It has proved an inspired tweak. Deossa has embraced the role, knitting play and, crucially, finishing chances.

He struck from the spot against Sportfreunde Lotte, converted another penalty versus Lyon and then produced the standout moment of Betis’ pre-season: a 30-yard drive past Kepa in the win over Arsenal. That goal came with Premier League scouts from Ipswich, Leeds, West Ham and Wolves watching on.

Interest from England has reportedly made Betis more reluctant to cash in, but the window is still open and the financial reality of a big bid is never far away. Every appearance now doubles as a shop window and a statement of intent.

Given his role at the heart of Betis’ attack and his current confidence, Deossa appeals in the anytime scorer market. BoyleSports make him a 11/2 shot to score at any time – a price that reflects both the step up in opposition and his central place in Betis’ game plan.

Inter Milan vs Real Betis Bet 2: Nelson Deossa anytime scorer @ 11/2 with BoyleSports

Goals on the cards, with a safety net

Inter’s friendlies have not exploded into goalfests, but they have simmered. Two of their four matches produced three goals, the other two finished with two. Betis’ bigger tests, by contrast, have opened right up: four goals against Lyon, four against Arsenal, four against Bournemouth.

This final warm-up, with rolling substitutions and players chasing minutes, is unlikely to be played at half-pace. Tired legs, disrupted defensive structures and attackers eager to impress usually drag these games towards chances.

The Over 3.0 Goals line at 17/20 with BoyleSports offers a useful cushion. Three goals on the night and stakes are returned; a fourth goal turns it into a winning bet with an 85% return on the stake. Given Betis’ recent scorelines and Inter’s upgraded attack, that safety net makes more sense than pushing out to Over 3.5.

Inter Milan vs Real Betis Bet 3: Over 3.0 goals @ 17/20 with BoyleSports

Team news and probable lineups

Chivu is expected to lean into his new arrivals. Ivan Provedel and John Stones are both pushing for minutes as they bed into the system, while Davide Frattesi edges towards a loan move to Lazio and may be managed carefully.

On the Betis side, there is better news than a week ago. Antony is available despite a recent red card in a friendly. Álvaro Fidalgo’s knee problem has cleared, as has Junior Firpo’s muscular overload. Nineteen-year-old academy winger José Antonio Morante has impressed enough to keep his place in Pellegrini’s plans.

Probable lineups:

Inter Milan expected XI: Provedel; Bastoni, Pavard, Stones; Luis Henrique, Barella, Stankovic, Dimarco; Zielinski; Lautaro Martínez, Thuram

Real Betis expected XI: Manu González; Gómez, Llorente, Ortiz, Firpo; Roca, Bernal; Antony, Morante, Fidalgo; Deossa

Prediction: Inter sharpen up, Betis land a punch

Inter’s extra quality, the return of Martínez and Thuram and a desire to close pre-season with a statement point towards a narrow home win. Betis, though, carry enough threat to make a dent.

Score prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 Real Betis
Goalscorers prediction: Inter Milan – Martínez, Thuram; Real Betis – Deossa

For Inter, this is about rhythm and readiness before the real business starts. For Betis, it is another chance to prove they belong back among Europe’s elite – and for Deossa, perhaps one more audition before the phone rings from England.