Roma vs. Inter Milan: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game
There's a vast gulf of 11 points between hosts Roma and visitors Inter ahead of the two teams meeting at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.
Roma have been in fine form in the league, yet they are still desperately trying to keep pace with Juventus, who rarely drop points.
Inter, on the other hand, have shown glimpses of promise but no consistency.
Walter Mazzarri was never really able to get the side to mesh, and he was shown the door in favour of Roberto Mancini.
How will this fluid Roma side fare against a rejigged Inter?
Here are the key issues and decisions that will shape the game.
How Will Dodo Do Against His Old Club?
1 of 4
Roma loaned, but effectively sold, Dodo to Inter over the summer, and the Brazilian is really hitting his straps for the black and blues.
After some shaky defensive performances early in the season, the Brazilian began to settle into his role on the left and has become one of Inter's most important players.
His ability to drive forward down the flank, combine with teammates and send in crosses is crucial to the Nerazzurri's attacking game.
Mancini has rearranged the system the team is using, however, meaning Dodo is now playing on the left of a back four, rather than his freer role in midfield in Mazzarri's 3-5-2.
How he continues to adapt to his adjusted position could decide his effectiveness in this game—as will his attitude as he faces his former club.
Will Inter Cope in Midfield?
2 of 4
Roma have one of the most impressive engine rooms in football.
Inter, on the other hand, have a number of decent midfielders who are yet to completely jell as a unit.
That spells a recipe for disaster for the Nerazzurri.
Daniele De Rossi, Radja Nainggolan and Miralem Pjanic form a wolf pack that is dynamic, highly skilled, hard-working and incredibly well balanced.
Over in the Inter camp, the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Hernanes, Gary Medel and Zdravko Kuzmanovic all have their positive attributes, but rarely do they all combine effectively in the middle of the park.
Mancini must somehow find a way for his side to stifle Roma's midfield trio while still looking to play positively and create chances for the Inter forwards.
Can Roma Find a Way Past Handanovic?
3 of 4
Even if Roma are able to dominate general play, they still must find a way past the beast between the Inter sticks, Samir Handanovic.
The Slovenian is in career-best form, as he showed with a stunning display against Dnipro in the Europa League midweek, where he made a series of brilliant interventions and extended his record of penalty saves to six in a row.
Roma's attacking players will be well aware that it will take something special to beat Handanovic.
Will Mancini Take the Game to Roma?
4 of 4
Inter are the undisputed underdogs in this clash. Roma look the stronger side across most areas of the pitch.
One of the problems Inter had under Mazzarri was the inability to take the game to opponents (even ones they should have been dominating).
The side has often looked to be lacking in the desire to get forward and put opponents under pressure.
Mancini is not known for his flair as a manager, but he was brought in to revitalise the Nerazzurri.
Setting up defensively against a superior rival would not be a good look for a proud club. Then again, taking an attacking approach could backfire and result in a heavy defeat.
It will be fascinating to observe Mancini's tactics for this Serie A clash.
