Roma vs Inter Milan – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday evening, either Roma or Inter de Milão will have to surrender their perfect start as both teams boast flawless records going into their Serie A encounter at Stadio Olimpico.

Both clubs have secured four wins from their opening four matches and are averaging three goals per game, which sets up an exciting clash in the capital.

Match overview

Last week, Roma’s immaculate season came to a halt with a draw against Fenerbahce in the Champions League, but they quickly returned to winning ways on Monday night with a 2-0 victory over Torino.

Despite not playing at their best, Serie A’s leading scorer Donyell Malen managed to give them an advantage in Turin, while Nicolo Pisilli’s late goal confirmed the victory.

Consequently, the Giallorossi have netted 12 goals in total while achieving four consecutive wins in the top division of Italy, all while conceding just a single goal.

Moreover, they have maintained their solid defensive form from last season, with an effective partnership between Malen and Paulo Dybala yielding promising results, stirring speculation that they could contend for the title.

Continuing from last season, Roma has won nine league matches in a row, suggesting that Gian Piero Gasperini may be eyeing the Scudetto, even if he won’t openly acknowledge it.

Before facing a club he managed briefly and unsuccessfully about 15 years ago, the experienced coach needs to overcome a significant psychological hurdle.

In their last encounter in Milan, his team was defeated 5-2 by Inter, and Roma has not triumphed at home against the Nerazzurri in Serie A since October 2016.

In fact, the visitors have claimed victory in all of the last five league clashes in Rome, with an aggregate score of 11-2. Home or away, Inter has emerged victorious in nine of their last 11 matchups.

Similar to their opponents, the defending champions have made a blazing start to the Serie A season, winning every match and finding the net in every conceivable manner.

After a Champions League setback against Real Madrid, Cristian Chivu’s side staged an incredible comeback against Udinese on Monday night, recovering from two goals down to secure a 5-3 win at San Siro.

In serious trouble after the initial 20 minutes, Inter managed to equalize by half-time, with three of their four primary strikers scoring after the interval.

Chivu’s team is undeniably delivering plenty of entertainment, having previously rallied to overcome Napoli in a thrilling five-goal encounter.

As they prepare to head back out on the road before international duty, they will face potential title challengers.

Not only do Inter hold a significant advantage in their head-to-head record against Roma, but they also arrive with an impressive league tally: 23 wins and just one defeat in their last 30 Serie A fixtures.

Team News

Roma head coach Gasperini missed regular starters Wesley and Evan Ndicka for the trip to Turin on Monday, but both players are returning to training and are expected to be available.

Reported Inter target Manu Kone made a brief appearance from the bench, however, Mario Hermoso is doubtful for the weekend due to an ankle sprain.

There is also intense competition for the forward positions, with Dybala, Matias Soule, and Rodrigo Mora all competing to partner main striker Malen.

Malen has netted 20 goals in 22 Serie A outings since joining in January, while Como’s Tasos Douvikas currently sits as the league’s second-top scorer with 10.

Having enjoyed a rare rest, Inter’s superstar Lautaro Martinez did not score against Udinese, but his attacking teammates Pio Esposito, Ange Bonny, and Marcus Thuram did find the net.

Thuram has been involved in 12 goals over his last nine Serie A appearances and boasts three goals and two assists from four previous matches against Roma.

Chivu has most of his squad at his disposal, with the exception of two key players: Hakan Calhanoglu is sidelined with an adductor strain and John Stones has recently sustained a thigh injury that could keep him out for a month.

Roma probable starting XI:

Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, Ndicka; Molina, Kone, Cristante, Wesley; Soule, Dybala; Malen

Inter Milan probable starting XI:

J. Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Jones, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martinez

Goals are anticipated, even if both managers adopt a more cautious strategy against potential title contenders.

Despite Roma being a formidable opponent on their home turf, the formidable Inter may dominate the midfield and find scoring opportunities from various positions.