Match Preview: Inter Milan vs Roma
October 5, 2013 2:45 PM EDT - 18:45 GMT
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza - Milano
Referee: P. Tagliavento
Referee: P. Tagliavento
Inter (3-5-1-1): Handanovic; Juan, Ranocchia, Campagnaro; Taider, Cambiasso, Nagatomo, GUarin, Jonathan; Alvarez; Palacio.
Roma (4-3-3): De Sanctis; Leandro Castan, Benatia, Torosidis, Balzaretti; Strootman, Pjanic, De Rossi; Florenzi, Gervinho, Totti.
Inter Milan are unbeaten this term, with a record of four wins and
two draws leaving the Nerazzurri four points behind Roma heading into
this clash. They leaked points on draws to Juventus and Cagliari.
Mazzarri will choose the starting eleven he trust more: a 3-5-1-1 with Alvarez and Palacio upfront (and Milito or Icardi ready to play in case of need). Taider and Kovacic will be in contention for a spot in midfield while Zanetti and Chivu are the long-term injuries.
Roma, under the management of Frenchman Rudi Garcia, are enjoying their best ever start to a Serie A campaign with six wins from six league matches and sit two points clear of Napoli and Juventus at the top of the table. Anyway, Roma have yet to take on top opposition in Serie A. Fourth-placed Inter Milan at the weekend will be the first occasion they do and the first real measure of Roma.
Despite some high profile departures from the Italian capital during the summer, in particular Erik Lamela to Tottenham Hotspur, it has not seemed to have had an ill-effect to the team. Defensively, they look rock solid having just conceded the one goal with only Parma able to breach their defence.
Bradley and Maicon will miss this important match through injury while Adem Ljaijc (three goals in 6 six appearances) is doubtful. Rudi Garcia should confirm the same starting eleven we saw against Bologna last week.
Roma have fared rather well against Inter Milan. Last year, they beat Inter twice in Coppa Italia and in Serie A they are unbeaten in their last four meetings with three wins and a draw. Last year, they managed a 1-1 draw on the away and a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture.
Roma (4-3-3): De Sanctis; Leandro Castan, Benatia, Torosidis, Balzaretti; Strootman, Pjanic, De Rossi; Florenzi, Gervinho, Totti.
Mazzarri will choose the starting eleven he trust more: a 3-5-1-1 with Alvarez and Palacio upfront (and Milito or Icardi ready to play in case of need). Taider and Kovacic will be in contention for a spot in midfield while Zanetti and Chivu are the long-term injuries.
Roma, under the management of Frenchman Rudi Garcia, are enjoying their best ever start to a Serie A campaign with six wins from six league matches and sit two points clear of Napoli and Juventus at the top of the table. Anyway, Roma have yet to take on top opposition in Serie A. Fourth-placed Inter Milan at the weekend will be the first occasion they do and the first real measure of Roma.
Despite some high profile departures from the Italian capital during the summer, in particular Erik Lamela to Tottenham Hotspur, it has not seemed to have had an ill-effect to the team. Defensively, they look rock solid having just conceded the one goal with only Parma able to breach their defence.
Bradley and Maicon will miss this important match through injury while Adem Ljaijc (three goals in 6 six appearances) is doubtful. Rudi Garcia should confirm the same starting eleven we saw against Bologna last week.
Roma have fared rather well against Inter Milan. Last year, they beat Inter twice in Coppa Italia and in Serie A they are unbeaten in their last four meetings with three wins and a draw. Last year, they managed a 1-1 draw on the away and a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture.
