Serie A
Inter vs A.S. Roma Preview
Inter face Roma at the San Siro on Saturday night in a crucial Serie A clash, which will have big implications as both sides hope to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The race for a top four finish will go down to the wire but a victory for Inter will surely confirm their spot in the Champions League.
Roma have earned back-to-back wins to close the gap to Milan who currently occupy fourth spot. However, a defeat at the San Siro will see all that good work undone.
The omens are good for Roma, as Inter boss Luciano Spalletti has never defeated Roma boss Claudio Ranieri in four encounters.
Team News
Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is out with a muscular injury and Borja Valero is also an injury doubt.
Meanwhile, former Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan could face his former side, as he was injured when the two sides met in December.
For Roma, Daniele De Rossi, Davide Santon and Rick Karsdorp are all out injured.
However, defender Juan Jesus is expected to start.
Previous Encounters
The last two meetings between the sides have ended in draws.
Roma’s last win at the San Siro against Inter came in February 2017, where the Giallorossi emerged victorious winning 3-1.
Both sides have scored in their last six Serie A meetings.
Predicted Line-Ups
Inter (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, De Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah; Gagliardini, Vecino; Politano, Nainggolan, Perisic; Accord
Roma (4-2-3-1): Mirante; Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio, Marcano; Cristante, Nzonzi; Zaniolo, Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Dzeko
Match Prediction
This is a massive game for both sides in the race for Champions League qualification.
Both clubs had high hopes going into this season and it’s fair to say that neither has lived up to expectations.
Inter were expected to mount a title challenge this season but are a massive 24 points behind league leaders Juventus.
Luciano Spalletti knows it is crucial that the Nearzzurri at least qualifies for next season’s Champions League.
Even though, they have a six point lead over Roma, they have a tough run in, which includes matches against Juventus and Napoli.
However, a win tomorrow night should all but secure a top finish.
For Roma, it has been a bitterly disappointing season after reaching the Champions League semi-finals last year.
They have struggled all season but still have a chance to finish in the top four.
Claudio Ranieri’s side have picked up seven points from their last three games. Roma have struggled against teams above them so far this season.
The Giallorossi have lost away to Napoli, Milan and Juventus so far this season.
Both sides know this is a must win and it should be a highly entertaining game. Inter though have the better quality and being at home should come out on top.
Prediction: Inter 2-1 Roma
Photo credit to Ly Nguyen via Flickr
