Having suffered their second loss of the season, Inter head South to the capital to face Scudetto contenders Roma in what might be a decisive match. Match tomorrow Sunday at 12:30 CET.
All teams lose, and the cliche is that champions are the ones who know how to pick up the pieces and rediscover their winning ways.
Having suffered their second loss of the season against Sampdoria last Wednesday, Inter face an extremely tough challenge in an away encounter against top tier rivals Roma.
Roma, who sit just three points behind Inter, will be looking to maximize their home advantage and momentum to make it four consecutive wins on Sunday.
Paolo Fonseca’s men have seemingly discovered their best form, the Potuguese tactician has been able to unleash his side’s attacking potential with the Giallorossi recording close to two and half goals scored over their past three matches.
Roma currently boast one of the most balanced sides in the top flight, and attacking trio of Luca Pellegrini, Henrik Mkhatryian and Edin Dzeko are supported by a midfield anchored around the impressive Bryan Cristante and Jordan Veretout.
Antonio Conte’s Inter must continue to have faith in what has served them so well so far. Defensive solidity built around Milan Skrinniar’s return to top form has allowed wide-man Achraf Hakimi to be unleashed in attack, adding an entirely new dimension to the Nerazzurri threat.
Inter’s midfield duo of Nicolo Barella and Marcelo Brozovic have most definitely been the barometer of their team’s performance.
If the pair can shake off their sub-par showing against Samp, then Inter will have taken more than a couple of steps in the right direction towards the win.
There’s no doubt that the return of Romelu Lukaku is the biggest bit of positive news that Inter can take with them on their trip to the Capitale.
There’s no discouting the big Belgian’s impact on the side, and if Inter want to take anything from the match, there’s little doubt that Big Rom will have an important part to play in the match.
Team News
Santo Danilo has now been ruled out with a distortion to his left knee for about six weeks, Inter will need their second most clutch player; Matias Vecino to make into the match day squad.
With no real replacement on the market being approached, and Pinamonti still unavailable for selection Inter yet again enter the match with no striking backup except for Alexis Sanchez on the bench.
Probable Line-up (3-5-2): Handanovic (C); Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Hakimi, Vidal, Brozovic, Barella, Young; Lautaro, Lukaku
Stats
Last Season: Roma 2 – 2 Inter.
Last 10 Head to Head: The head to head record between the two sides is perfectly balanced; each side has two wins to their name and the last five encounters have all ended in draws.
Keep an Eye on:
Arturo Vidal: The Chilean midfielder is expected to make his first start after the public dressing down he received from Conte during the Crotone match.
Vidal has been brought into the squad by the manager specifically for his winning attitude and alleged professionalism, now will be the time he really demonstrates his leadership credentials against a very dangerous Roma where midfield control will be essential.
Officials
Referee: Marco DiBello.
Assistants: Preti and Bindoni.
Fourth Official: Orsato.
VAR: Mazzoleni and Paganessi.
Prediction & Concluding Remarks
Prediction & scorers: Roma 2 – 3 Inter Lukaku and Vidal to win it for the guests.
Concluding remarks: This match has all the makings of a classic high-scoring encounter between the two sides. Inter will surely concede, it’s just a matter if they have the composure, fortune and desire to outscore their hosts.