The Nerazzurri travel to the capital to face third place competitors Roma on Sunday 2nd of October at 20:45 CET.
Like Inter, hosts Roma had a disappointing week 6, losing comprehensively to Torino in Turin. However, the Giallorossi bounced back, thumping Europa League competitors Astra 4-0 on Thursday night. Coach Luciano Spaletti will know that the top three encounter against Inter will be much more of a challenge than the match against the Romanian minnows, but will definitely look to impose his attacking expansive brand of football on the visitors.
Inter will travel to Rome after yet another embarrassing midweek Europa League defeat. It remains to be seen whether Frank de Boer can use the defeat to fire up the squad as he did prior to the Juventus game. With FdB’s preferred starting eleven and Gabriel Barbosa potentially available for selection, the Nerazzurri faithful will be expecting a much improved performance than that of Thursday night.
Team News
The biggest news around the Nerazzurri camp will be whether Joao Mario will be available for selection after his calf troubles last week. The Portugal national team coach seems to believe the midfielder has put his injury behind him, but it still remains to be seen whether FdB shares the sentiment, and if so, whether Mario can feature as a starter.
In other news, eyes will be on the selection to see if Marcelo Brozovic will finally be called up after his 3 week lock out due to disciplinary reasons.
Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-3-3) Handanovic; Ansaldi, Miranda, Murillo, Santon; Medel, Banega, Mario; Candreva, Perisic, Icardi (C).
Stats
Last Season: Roma 1–1 Inter
Last 10 Head to Head: The two sides’ last ten encounters have been dominated by draws, with the teams ending up level on five occasions, otherwise, Inter edge Roma with three wins in the other five encounters.
Player to Watch
Mohammed Salah: The dynamic Egyptian has started his season very strongly for Roma, scoring three times in six Serie A encounters. The speedy winger will fancy his chances running up against Inter’s shaky full-backs.
Officials
Referee: Luca Banti Assistants: Riccardo Di Fiore, Andrea Crispo Fourth Official: Salvatore Longo Additional Assistants: Antonio Damato, Gianluca Rocchi
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Roma 2–2 Inter with Banega and Icardi finding the back of the net.
Author’s Note: With Inter’s clean sheet-less streak continuing from the season’s start, expect the high octane Roman attack to break the Inter defence, however, Roma have also shown an inability to keep teams out and so, a high scoring draw can be expected.
Words: Mohamed Nassar – Follow him @MNassar
