Inter vs Roma Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Inter:
Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, De Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah; Gagliardini, Vecino; Politano, Nainggolan, Perisic; Icardi
Roma:
Mirante; Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio, Marcano; Cristante, Nzonzi; Zaniolo, Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Dzeko
Inter will host Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the most interesting fixture of the 33rd round. What is more interesting, both coaches are facing their old clubs, as Spalletti left Roma two seasons ago and Ranieri had a brief spell on the Inter bench in 2011/12. However, this match is extremely important for both sides. Inter are on the third position with 60 points, six more than fifth-placed Roma. The Nerazzurri are in solid form, they have two victories and one draw on the last three matches in Serie A. Spalletti's men first beat Genoa with 4:0. Roberto Gagliardini scored a brace, while Mauro Icardi (from penalty) and Ivan Perisic also found the back of the net. Two weeks ago Inter played a goalless draw with Atalanta, while in the last round won 3:1 against Frosinone. Radja Nainggolan, Ivan Perisic (from penalty) and Matias Vecino scored the goals on that match. I believe the atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is higher. For this match Spaletti will be without Marcelo Brozovic as he is sidelined with a muscular injury. Borja Valero is rated as doubtful for the same reason. The situation with Icardi is still complicated. The Argentinian striker was stripped of his captaincy after what he refused to play for six weeks, officially due to a knee injury. He is back now, but the starting place is no longer guaranteed for him. Nainggolan could face his former club for the first time, as he was injured for the reverse fixture played in December.
Roma are currently fifth, just a point away from the Champions League spots. The last period was very turbulent for the Giallorossi. Roma suffered an elimination from Porto in the Champions League, coach Eusebio Di Francesco was sacked and replaced by Claudio Ranieri. He started well and has a record of three victories, one draw and two defeats. Roma won 2:1 against Empoli on Ranieri's debut, but then went three matches without a victory. The Giallorossi lost to SPAL and Napoli, while shared the points with Fiorentina. The poor series came to its end two weeks ago when Roma beat Sampdoria in Genoa thanks to the second half goal scored by Daniele De Rossi. Last weekend Roma won 1:0 against Udinese. Edin Dzeko scored the winning goal in the 67th minute. Roma are the fourth highest scoring team in the league with 57 goals, behind Juventus, Napoli and Atalanta. There are some injury issues for Ranieri ahead of this match. Daniele De Rossi, Davide Santon and Rick Karsdorp are all sidelined with injuries, but Juan Jesus has shaken off a knock. Nicolo Zaniolo will have an extra motivation as he was swapped with Nainggolan during the summer transfer window.
Inter vs Roma Prediction:
I expect Roma to remain unbeaten at Meazza. The Giallorossi seem to found the form finally. Ranieri's men are in mini series of two victories. Even more, they kept clean sheet on these two occasions.
Inter vs Roma Pick: Roma +0.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.14 with
Pinnacle