Inter take on Roma on Saturday night (kick off 20:45 CET) on the back of a frustrating 0-0 draw in the Milan derby last weekend in which they were the far better team. It was the same old story for Inter in a disappointing season where they have failed to turn their dominance in many games into wins.

Roma haven’t been losing many games but they have drawn 10 of their last 15 games, which has stopped them from challenging for the Scudetto. Roma’s problem seems to be holding onto leads and last weekend was another example against Atalanta, when Roma had a lead and threw it away to draw 1-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Inter sit in 10th place in the Serie A table and with 7 games left this season they are 7 points away from a Europa League qualifying place.

Roma on the other hand sit in 3rd place, level on points with city rivals Lazio in 2nd place but with Sampdoria and Napoli chasing them down. A win against Inter would lift the Giallorossi to 2nd and put pressure on Sampdoria and Napoli, who play each other on Sunday.

Here is the probable Inter line up and team news as reported by Corriere dello Sport:

Samir Handanovic keeps his place between the posts.

Inter’s defence is expected to stay the same with captain Andrea Ranocchia and Nemanja Vidic partnered together in central defence. On the flanks, Juan Jesus is expected is expected to start on the left and Danilo D’Ambrosio on the right although Davide Santon has been pushing for a start.

In the midfield Fredy Guarin and Marcelo Brozovic are available after missing the Milan derby through suspension. Fredy Guarin is expected to start despite missing training this week after a bout of gastritis although Mateo Kovacic might well start in his place and also Marcelo Brozovic is expected to regain his place in the team.

Gary Medel is suspended for this game so 18 year old Assane Gnoukouri is expected to start in his place after a decent full debut performance against Milan.

In the trequartista role Hernanes is expected to keep his spot after some improved performances recently.

Up top the usual Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio partnership will remain.

Probable Inter line up (subject to change): (4-3-1-2) Handanovic, D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia (c), Vidic, Juan Jesus, Guarin, Gnoukouri, Brozovic, Hernanes, Icardi, Palacio.

Bench: Berni, Carrizo, Andreolli, Santon, Felipe, Nagatomo, Di Marco, Kovacic, Obi, Podolski, Puscas, Shaqiri, Bonazzoli.

Some Stats:

Inter have scored 46 goals in Serie A this season with Juventus, Lazio and Napoli the only clubs to have scored more.

Inter have managed only 5 clean sheets at home all season but with 2 clean sheets in a row they could achieve 3 clean sheets for the first time this season.

In the earlier meeting between the sides this season, Roma won 4-2 in a thrilling match.

Roma are unbeaten against Inter in their last 10 matches. Inter’s last win in Serie A against Roma came in February 2011 in a fantastic 5-3 win in which Sneijder, Motta, Cambiasso and Eto’o (2) all scored.

Player to Watch: Hernanes – The Brazilian trequartista is starting to perform now that he’s getting a run in the team and with his Lazio background I’m expecting a big performance.

My Prediction: Inter 2-2 Roma

Scorers: Hernanes, Icardi (Inter), Gervinho, Iturbe (Roma)

Officials: Referee: Daniele Orsato    Assistants: Manganelli, Preti

Fourth Official: Cariolato    Additional Assistants: Rizzoli, Fabbri

 

Author’s Note: I think this will be an open attacking game with both teams going for the win and not playing against opponents who are happy to sit back. Due to Roma’s good recent record against Inter I’ve went with an exciting goal scoring draw but I would be very happy with a dull 1-0 win for Inter and a clean sheet.