With two wins in a row behind them, Inter play their second consecutive away match against Roma who are in the middle of a fight for a European spot finish. Match today Sunday at 21:45 CET.
See-sawing Roma are in the midst of a hot streak at the moment with three wins in a row. The Lupi are in a fight for fifth place with AC Milan and Napoli and will realize that any point gained against Inter will be a point that goes a long way in said fight.
Having just edged high-flying Verona in the previous match-day, Roma coach Paulo Fonseca seems to have found the antidote to his side’s Jekyll and Hyde act since the resumption of the championship. His 3-4-2-1 formation, anchored with Bryan Cristante and and Jordan Veretout at the center of the pitch looks to have found the balance that was lacking four or five matches ago.
Roma’s best chance at taking the points will probably be their pacey wide attacking forwards Henrik Mkhitaryan and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Inter have been susceptible to attacks from this profile of player all season long, Milan Skriniar’s struggles in the final third on the right flank are now very well documented as are Ashley Young’s left-flank defensive difficulties.
Antonio Conte looks like he will finally have his best starting eleven available for selection. Nicolo Barella will be welcomed back with open arms in the midfield. The young Italian midfielder was the source of profound balance and physicality for the Nerazzurri, and his contribution along with Marcelo Brozovic will be very important if Inter are to take away anything from this match.
With Atalanta already having dropped points, and Lazio and Juventus facing each other at the same time, Inter are faced with a prime opportunity and to cement their hold on second place and continue putting some pressure on leaders Juve.
Team News
This weekend marks the return of a few Inter protagonists who have been out recuperating for some time. Notably, Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku will be available for selection and are widely expected to start the match. Running joke of the season, Stefano Sensi, is unsurprisingly still out injured.
Probable Line-up (3-4-1-2): Handanovic (C); Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Candreva, Barella, Brozovic, Young; Eriksen; Sanchez, Lukaku
Stats
Last Season: Not played, Verona in Serie B
Last 10 Head to Head: Inter hold a very slight edge against Roma with three wins to Roma’s two. The most common result between the two sides, and the result recorded in the last four encounters, has been a draw.
Keep an Eye on:
Romelu Lukaku: In the couple of matches while Lukaku has been rested, Lautaro Martinez and Alexis Sanchez have both filled in very capably, both players scoring and assisting against Torino and SPAL. Now the Inter talisman will step back onto the pitch in a match that may define how the Inter season ends.
Officials
Referee: Marco Di Bello.
Assistants: Cecconi and Galetto.
Fourth Official: Giua
VAR: Guida and Di Vuolo.
Prediction & Concluding Remarks
Prediction & scorers: Roma 2 – 2 Inter with Sanchez and Lukaku securing the draw for the visitors.
Concluding remarks: Roma are in the thick of a fight for a European spot finish and will fight for all three points tooth and nail. Inter are on a bit of a hot streak and will be required to exhibit their early season best form if they want to take back any points to Milan.
