Inter Milan is perched at the top of Serie A after nine rounds and is determined to maintain their position by taking on Roma in an exciting Sunday evening matchup.
Match Preview
This game is not only about maintaining their status but also about facing a familiar face, as former boss Jose Mourinho leads Roma to San Siro, where a ‘warm’ reception awaits their star striker.
Inter Milan has been in stellar form, clinching two wins following the international break, which has propelled them to a strong position in both domestic and European competitions.
After a resounding 3-0 win over Torino last week, they secured seven points out of nine in the Champions League Group D.
The previous season’s runner-up, Inter, recently dominated Red Bull Salzburg with goals from Alexis Sanchez and Hakan Calhanoglu.
These performances have placed them at the top of the Serie A standings with 24 goals scored and only five conceded.
Simone Inzaghi’s squad has won seven out of their first nine league matches and is just above their city rivals, Milan.
However, Inter has faced difficulties in their last two home Serie A fixtures, with a loss to Sassuolo and a draw with Bologna.
Therefore, they are eager to reestablish their dominance at San Siro before crucial upcoming matches.
Inter Milan has a favorable history against Roma, remaining unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 league encounters and winning four of the last five.
Roma’s only victory came over a year ago when Romelu Lukaku was still an Inter player.
Since then, Lukaku has embarked on a successful journey with Roma, under the management of Jose Mourinho.
Roma has won their last three league games, showing signs of improvement after a sluggish start to the season.
Roma is currently on a mission to qualify for the knockout rounds in the Europa League after an excellent start in Group G.
Still, their primary focus is to climb the Serie A standings.
Mourinho’s task is challenging, considering his recent struggles against former clubs.
However, the defense has improved, and they are in contention for a top-six position.
Their match against Inter Milan will be a true test of their abilities.
Team News
Inter Milan will miss summer signings Juan Cuadrado (Achilles) and Marko Arnautovic (thigh) this weekend, though both are expected to return soon.
Marcus Thuram, Federico Dimarco, and Nicolo Barella will likely start for Inter after being on the bench in the last match.
Lautaro Martinez, with 11 Serie A goals this season, aims to continue his scoring streak and equal a historic record.
Roma’s Romelu Lukaku, who has scored eight goals in his last nine Serie A away matches, will be looking to make an impact.
Paulo Dybala, Marash Kumbulla, and Tammy Abraham are sidelined, and Andrea Belotti is expected to start alongside Lukaku.
Possible Lineups
Inter Milan:
Sommer;
Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni;
Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco;
Martinez, Thuram
Roma:
Patricio;
Mancini, Llorente, Ndicka;
Karsdorp, Cristante, Paredes, Aouar, Spinazzola;
Belotti, Lukaku
Prediction
Benefiting from extra recovery time and a deeper squad, Inter Milan is likely to secure their third consecutive victory in all competitions, halting Roma’s recent resurgence.
The absence of key players in the Roma squad may make them vulnerable to Inter’s attacking prowess.
- Our prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 Roma
