Inter Milan resume their Serie A title defense with a visit to Roma at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. Roma, struggling for consistency, hope to reignite their season post-international break.
Match Preview:
Roma’s form has been patchy under new manager Ivan Juric. After winning their first two matches, they’ve faltered, with a 1-1 draw against Monza following a Europa League loss to Elfsborg. Artem Dovbyk continues to be a bright spot, scoring again for Roma, but the team finds itself mid-table after seven games.
In contrast, Inter Milan are riding high. They secured three straight wins before the break, including a 3-2 victory over Torino, with Marcus Thuram scoring a hat-trick. Thuram has now netted seven goals in seven Serie A matches, matching feats achieved by Inter legends like Christian Vieri and Lautaro Martinez.
Inter Milan have the firepower, but defensive issues have surfaced, conceding at least two goals in each of their last three league games. Despite this, Inter will aim to close the gap with table-toppers Napoli as they travel to face a Roma side that has struggled in recent clashes with the Nerazzurri.
Team News:
Roma welcome back star forwards Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk, both cleared to play, with Dybala on the verge of joining the top three Argentinian scorers in Serie A history. Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella also returns after missing international duty, though Piotr Zielinski is sidelined. Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are expected to start, with Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic on the bench.
Predicted Lineups:
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Angelino; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk
Inter Milan: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Inter, still unbeaten away from home, will look to exploit Roma’s defensive vulnerabilities and extend their winning streak against the capital club. A win could see them break the record for most goals scored against a single Serie A opponent, aiming for 300 goals against Roma.
