Serie A Preview: AS Roma Seek Revenge as They Take on Inter Milan

Expect an enthralling affair when Inter Milan hosts AS Roma this Sunday at the San Siro in Milan. Both teams come into the clash with less than satisfying results from their midweek Champions League outings and will be hoping to get back on track as soon as possible.

Last season, Roma came tantalizingly close to winning the Scudetto, but in the end it was Inter who lifted their 16th Serie A trophy.

This time around, Roma’s disastrous start put the capital club out of the title race early, but they can very well be the team that brings the excitement back to Serie A by winning on Sunday evening.

When these two met back in their week 7 fixture the Giallorossi were steamrolled in their own backyard by Inter after a 0-4 thrashing. Is it time for revenge?

Inter Milan

Last week, Inter grabbed a slim victory on their away trip to Bologna as a late Balotelli free-kick goal sealed the scoreline in Inter’s favor.

Prior to that Esteban Cambiasso had given the away side the lead after a Adriano handball assist only to have the lead canceled out by the home side’s Britos.

Inter continues on to churning out points in their usual fashion and are six points clear at the top as they entertain Roma, with one game in hand.

Just like their opponents, Inter also had a midweek Champions League outing. The fixture with Manchester United was the most anticipated in beforehand, and for good reason too. Although the tie ended in a goalless draw, the game had all the ingredients to make it an entertaining affair.

The Nerazzurri spent the first half being constantly pushed back into their half of the field and continuously gave away unnecessary free-kicks.

The submissive approach into the game resulted in an almost embarrassing superiority by the Englishmen during the first 45 minutes.

Things changed radically in the second half as José Mourinho’s men floored the gas pedal. Relentless pressure and drive saw the players come close on many occasions, but despite their effort, the winner will be decided in the return leg at Old Trafford.

Inter can’t relax against Roma despite the opponent’s less than decent form. Considering the humiliatingly defeat the Giallorossi experienced during the last time these two met, the word “revenge” comes into mind.

José Mourinho has the entire squad at his disposal for the fixture against Roma with the exception of defender Walter Samuel.

Probable starting XI: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Chivu, Santon; Vieira, Cambiasso, Zanetti; Stankovic; Ibrahimovic, Adriano

AS Roma

Just like their hosts, Roma too grabbed a slim 1-0 victory over Siena last week. The Giallorossi’s ineffectiveness in front was somewhat shocking despite the fact that the team was torn apart by band and injuries.

Luciano Spalletti’s men reside in fifth place, with only points separating them from a Champions League spot.

Unlike their rivals, Roma lost to Arsenal by 0-1 in their midweek Champions League game against the north London club.

Philippe Mexés, who has blossomed back into the brilliant centre back that he used to be, was the main reason as to why Roma shot themselves in the foot.

Despite the fact that Arsenal had come from three consecutive goalless draws, Arsene Wenger’s men proved to be the better team and outplayed Roma throughout most parts of the game.

The decider turned out to be the Frenchman’s clumsy tackle on Gunners forward Robin Van Persie inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot and the Dutchman sent Doni flying the wrong way as he put Arsenal one up.

Things will have to change radically if Roma are to win their encounter with the league leaders. The capital club could receive a boost since Francesco Totti is getting back into match fitness having played the last two games.

Alberto Aquilani, Marco Cassetti and Juan are out with injuries, but Christian Panucci could be on his way back after reportedly apologizing to Spalletti after their recent fall-out.

Probable starting XI: Doni; Motta, Mexes, Diamoutene, Riise; De Rossi, Brighi; Taddei, Pizarro, Baptista; Totti