Roma are hoping third time will be the charm ahead of their showdown versus Inter this evening at the San Siro.
The Giallorossi dropped both meetings against Simone Inzaghi’s side this season and haven’t defeated the Nerazzurri since February 2017. However, Jose Mourinho’s men have lost only once since their Coppa Italia loss to Inter in early February.
Tonight’s match has huge ramifications with both teams entering in a sensation form. For Inter, a win would keep them on track to repeat as champions for the second season in a row.
As for Roma, a victory in Milano would pile the pressure on fourth-placed Juventus, sitting three points ahead of the capital club. However, they’ll have to do so without starting midfielder Bryan Cristante, who’s suspended for the match.
Speaking during yesterday’s press conference, Simone Inzaghi warned his side about the Giallorossi’s nearly three-month run of sensational form.
“We’re going to be up against one of the best teams in the league, and what’s more they’re in excellent form,” he said.
“We all know who their coach is and what he’s achieved in the past, both at Inter and in other countries. We know it’s a massively important game for us and it won’t be at all easy.”
“This match is like a final for us. They haven’t lost in the league since 9 January and they’re performing very well indeed. We must be really ready for it.”
He added, “We know there’s a month left of the season and we have lots of games one after another. The players and I know we must be smart and stay calm to prepare for each match as best we can.”
“We’re not thinking about the derby anymore – only Roma, a team who are in great physical shape at the moment too. We’ll need to run hard and play with grit and determination. Between now and the end we’re going to face lots of teams who will try to trip us up.”
The two sides kick-off tonight at 18.00 CET at the San Siro in Milano.
Inter
(3-5-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, de Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic; Dzeko, Lautaro
Bench: Radu, Ranocchia, Kolarov, D’Ambrosio, Darmian, Dimarco, Gosens, Gagliardini, Vecino, Correa, Sanchez, Caicedo
Roma
(3-4-1-2): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Oliveira, Veretout, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Mkhitaryan; Abraham
Bench: Boer, Maitland-Niles, Kumbulla, Viña, Spinazzola, Bove, Diawara, El Shaarawy, Perez, Felix, Shomurodov