For the second time since summer of 2010, Jose Mourinho returns to the San Siro to take part in an Inter match; this time as an adversary as Inter host Roma. Match this evening at 18:00 CET.
With a three match winning streak on, Inter face a tough test in Roma as the reigning league champions look to reassert their grip over this season’s title.
Of the six remaining league matches, this is by far Inter’s toughest test and three points here might well mean that the Nerazzurri are on their way to retain the championship.
Jose Mourinho on the other hand is also in the middle of a high stakes battle of his own; the team is in the middle of a Champions League finishing tussle with Juventus and any points gained here for the Giallarossi will be points won in that particular race.
Simone Inazghi will probably continue in a business-as-usual manner, knowing that his squad is in-form and almost fully fit.
Wins against Juventus and Milan within the same month mean that Nerazzurri self belief and morale must be at an all time high.
With Lautaro Martinez finally scoring again, expect him to trouble the visiting defence all night long, potentially opening up some spaces for his striking partner, Edin Dzeko, to create scoring oppurtunities of his own.
Expect a classic open Inter vs Roma match with lots of actions and plenty of goals scored.
Team News
It’s the A+ team who shall be stepping onto the pitch today. No injuries except for an Arturo Vidal slight knock and no suspensions coupled with an in-form squad is great news for Inter.
Probable Line-up (3-5-2): Handanovic (C); Skriniar, DeVrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Brozovic, Perisic; Lautaro, Dzeko.
Stats
Last Season: Inter 2 – 0 Roma.
Last 10 Head to Head: Draws have been the most frequent (6) result between the two sides across the previous ten league matches. That said, Inter have beaten Roma in the previous two encounters.
Keep An Eye On:
Lautaro Martinez: El Toro is back! The Argentine striker was in his best ever form against Milan in the Coppa semi-final derby. If Lauti is able to keep this form for the coming few weeks, Inter should be able to comfortably retain the title.
Officials
Referee: Simone Sozza.
Assistants: Carbone and Bindoni.
Fourth Official: Manganiello.
VAR: Irrati and Zufferli.
Prediction & Concluding Remarks
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3 – 1 Roma with a Lautaro and a Dzeko brace sealing it.
Concluding remarks: This will be an emotional night for everyone at the stadium, but despite the fond memories, expect Inter’s quality and current form to be a bit too much for the visitors.