AS Roma vs Inter Milan Preview

Victories against Torino and SPAL may have felt nice, but a real test is on the horizon for Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri travel to the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday to take on AS Roma in Matchweek 34.

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The Giallorossi has won its last three in a row, but not after losing the trio of matches prior, a pattern that has gone on for 12 games now, interestingly enough. A result against Inter would help dispel the up and down nature of Roma, and perhaps stabilize the season as the final few weeks approach. Edin Džeko is the main threat up front, with 15 goals on the season. He’s won plenty of games for Roma, but the contributions of Henrikh Mkhitaryan (8G, 4A) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (1G, 11A) can’t be overlooked either.

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Roma needs a win to keep its four point lead on Milan for the last automatic Europa League spot. Inter, though, could close to three points behind Juventus ahead of the Old Lady’s clash with Lazio Monday night. I have to admit, a win here would definitely leave most of us dreaming of the Scudetto. Still, it wasn’t that long ago when both Hellas Verona and Parma were unlucky to not beat Inter. Even more so, the last three wins for Conte’s side have been against 15th, 19th, and 20th. Three points versus Roma, though, would drastically improve Inter’s credentials.

Predicted Starting XIs

Notes

• Lukaku still doesn’t seem 100%, but could make the bench.
• de Vrij was rested against SPAL, so will be full strength Sunday.
• No Nicolo Zaniolo for the visitors, who despite having recovered from rupturing his cruciate ligament, picked up a calf strain vs Verona that rules him out.

Prediction: AS Roma 1-2 Inter Milan

No matter what, this is going to be a close match. The last time these sides met, a nil-nil draw was the result after two solid defensive showings.

I think Inter has enough to come out on top this time, but it won’t be easy, with Roma taking a first half lead before goals from the red hot Alexis Sánchez and Romelu Lukaku flip the second half. Forza Inter!