Inter Milan vs AS Roma: Rampant Serie A front-runners clash at the Meazza
Rudi Garcia in no mood to drop any points as he as he arrives at the Meazza with a perfect record.
Walter Mazzarri left Napoli for a greater challenge in the Summer, pitching tent with the Don Massimo Moratti’s Inter who have suffered a slump since Jose Mourinho left in 2010. He has brought his Naples magic to Milan with his side unbeaten in six games (W4, D2).
Despite this run, they still trail today’s opponents by four points going into the game. Diego Milito is back and has been among the goals lately. He will find it difficult to be an automatic choice though as Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio are also in excellent form.
For the Giallorossi, it has been the best ever start to a Serie A season. Former Lille manager, Rudi Garcia has brought his own ideas to the Olimpico and they have paid off. Francesco ‘Er Pupone’ Totti has signed a new two year deal and the likes of Adem Ljajic and Gervinho have started life in the Capital very well.
Tonight’s encounter is by far the toughest test yet and would go a long way to determine whether they have the wherewithal to challenge for the Scudetto come May 2014.
La Maggica have a recent phenomenal record against the hosts. They are unbeaten in the last four games and destroyed the Nerazzurri in the Copa Italia semi-final last season home and away. The sale of top scorers, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Erik Lamela to Soton and Spurs was thought to be wrong move. It is proving the direct opposite as the season has gone on.
Teenage defender, Marquinhos was also shipped off to PSG and the defence haven’t felt it one bit. Only one goal has been let in so far and at the other end, a lot has been scored.
Inter defeated Fiorentina in their only difficult match so far in the League and will hope to also put one over a Roma side that is full of confidence and in scintillating form. Ricky Alvarez and Esteban Cambiasso are proving themselves to be key players for the Milan club this term.
Standing in as skipper, the Argentine midfield pearl has displayed leadership qualities beyond his own expectations and this has rubbed on all his teammates. It will be an interesting battle today v the likes of De Rossi, Pjanic and new signing, Strootman.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
INTER: Handanovic, Nagatomo, Ranocchia, Jonathan, Jesus, Campagnaro, Guarin, Cambiasso, Alvarez, Icardi, Palacio.
Mazzarri likes hardworking players and this has showed in all his selections since he became well known as a tactical master. Fredy Guarin must have been forgiven for his stupid gesture towards his own fans when he was substituted against the Viola.
Palacio is expected to again lead the line with Icardi an ally in chief.
ROMA: De Sanctis, Castan, Maicon, Balzaretti, Benatia, Strootman, Pjanic, De Rossi, Ljajic, Gervinho, Totti.
Rudi G will pick pretty much the same team that has been so fantastic since the season commenced. The defence marshaled by Leandro Castan will hope to hold tight until the end of proceedings. Any doubts that the young Brazilian can stand on his own have been immediately cleared.
Douglas Maicon is coming back to his old stomping ground and Morgan De Sanctis returns to face the very same man who made him the player he is today. Francesco Totti (228) is 47 goals behind Serie A’s best ever marksman Silvio Piola- the Lazio and Novara Legend ended his stellar career on 275 top flight goals.
It might be a mountain to climb for the Roman General – two years might not be enough to reach that mark. But he can try.
Tonight’s clash at the Guiseppe Meazza is eagerly awaited. What a duel in prospect.
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