Preview and Prediction
Il Giallorossi and Nerazzuri were once the only two teams which involved in a title race during Juventus’s downfall period from 2006 to 2010. Unfortunately, Roma has been in their setback after the dismissal of Eusebio Di Francesco from the line of command. They are now sitting on the fifth with eight points behind Lazio on the fourth. With five games remaining, anything is still possible, provided they can keep on winning all the matches left. Unfortunately, such task will not be easy as this weekend Edin Dzeko and Co are facing off Inter Milan which are back on the runner up position and still hoping to chase and topple the reigning champions, Juventus, from the top. This is inevitably crucial clash for both as failing to clinching three points would mean losing their opportunity to close the gap.
The teams’ previous matches
AS Roma managed to snatch three points again while hosting Verona in the midweek. They thumped Miguel Veloso and Co 2-1. Jordan Veretout opened the score sheet through a penalty followed by Edin Dzeko’s goal. They only conceded once by Matteo Pessina’s back heel. It was their third consecutive win for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
Nevertheless, they are not the only one. Inter was also back on their winning ways after hammering Spal 4-0 in the midweek. Antonio Cadreva started the goal parade before Cristiano Biraghi, Alexis Sanchez and Roberto Gagliardini completed the score sheets. Such results continue their unbeaten run for three matches in a row with two victories in the last two.
Possible tactic
Paulo Fonseca has transformed his team’s formation to 3-4-3, which leads to positive outcome lately. The Bosnian captain, Dzeko is still the targetman but the ones behind him are Henrikh Mikhtariyan and Lorenzo Pellegrini who do not necessarily play wide on the attack and often cut inside more. On both flanks, Bruno Peres and Leonardo Spinazzolla are picked for the wing back role. However, they have a bit of crisis on the back with the injury of Chris Smalling, Federico Fazio, Juan Jesus, Davide Santon and the reserved goalie, Antonio Mirante.
Antonio Conte prefers to employ 3-5-2 with the transition to 3-4-1-2 lately. He accommodates the Danish international Cristian Eriksen for the number 10 role behind the dynamic duo, Alexis Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez, instead of Lukaku, who is currently sidelined due to his injury along with Stefano Sensi, Victor Moses, Nico Barella and Mathias Vecino.
Players to watch
In the past three games, the Armenian international Henrikh Mikhitariyan’s role is getting more vital in 3-4-3 formation. He has bagged eight goals and made fourth assists in Serie A. Another key figure to watch is the midfielder centre Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has done quite well in his role as the attacking midfielder. This 24-year old Italian has netted one goal but made nine assists.
In La Beniamata’s squad, the Manchester United loanee, Alexis Sanchez, seems to have found his progress for the peak form. The Chilean international has scored three goals and provided seven assists so far. Another notable man to watch is his comrade from The Red Devils, Ashley Young, who has been an energetic left wing back with his three goals and three assists.
Roma vs Inter Prediction
For both teams, a win will be very worthy. Clinching three points will avoid them from Napoli and AC Milan threat, which are aiming for their current position, while for Conte’s men, a victory will put more pressure to the top leader, which hopefully stumbles again soon. Considering their objectives and current trend, a draw is seemingly more likely result.
Betting odds
It is an even match for sure. Roma are priced to win at 3.00, whereas Antonio Cadreva and Co are projected to win slightly higher at 2.25. The odds for the draw result are at the value of 3.55.
