Roma-Inter, is the Champions League here? In fact, an important train for Europe that counts passes through the challenge at the Olimpico. It won't be the last (the end of the championship is still 5 months away), but certainly getting on it would be a big step forward. Also because both teams bring with them numerous unknowns and uncertainties, which make their journey inconstant. The standings show that Inter are better off, 4 points behind third place and +6 over the Giallorossi, but the setting at the Olimpico puts Roma in a slight advantage. On friendly soil Zeman's men are strong: in the last 4 games played at home they have achieved as many victories. The Nerazzurri, on the other hand, have several problems away from San Siro, all of which arose after Turin's victory over Juventus. In fact, after that bombastic 1-3, there were 5 consecutive away defeats between the league and the Europa League. In short, the numbers do not help to decipher this challenge, which this time too promises to be highly spectacular.
“It's an important direct clash, a triple game, one of the unpredictable ones – Stramaccioni's forecast. – We get there full of energy, compared to the first leg, when some episodes were decisive, we've changed a lot. It will be a beautiful, exciting match, played openly”. The Nerazzurri coach instills courage in his troops, to tell the truth rather crippled. After emergencies in defense and midfield, this time it's the attack that creates problems. Cassano and Milito, as well as Coutinho and Alvarez have not been called up to Rome. The only strikers available are thus Palacio, Rocchi and Livaja. It is therefore logical that Stramaccioni changes a little: the Argentine will be the only attacker on the field and Guarin will act behind him. To tell the truth there would also be a certain Sneijder who, against all odds, would seem to want to re-discuss his engagement with Inter. The Dutchman could therefore accept a spread of the contract, provided that the Nerazzura offer is still valid. "Now it's late" Moratti announced, having already agreed for days with Galatasaray.
In any case, developments will resume from Monday. First there is a key match, for Inter as for Roma, even if Zeman preferred to throw water on the fire: "It's not decisive, there are still 18 games to go, let's try to play one at a time and get closer to the teams that precede, we will see at the end”. The Bohemian, who recovers Totti and Osvaldo, had sweet words for Zanetti ("I wanted him at the time of Lazio, he's an example for everyone") and for Stramaccioni, to whom, however, he didn't spare a dig: "He's a boy who he has qualities and great possibilities to show them. I believe in young coaches, even though so far I've seen few young people on the pitch...". Never banal Zeman, a bit like Roma-Inter. Which also this time promises goals and entertainment.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Roma (4-3-3): Goicoechea; Piris, Marquinhos, Castan, Balzaretti; Pjanic, De Rossi, Florenzi; Lamela, Osvaldo, Totti.
On the bench: Stekelenburg, Lobont, Svedkauskas, Burdisso, Dodò, Bradley, Tachtsidis, Marquinho, Perrotta, Destro.
Coach: Zdenek Zeman.
Unavailable: Nico Lopez, Romagnoli.
Disqualified: nobody.
Inter (3-5-1-1): Handanovic; Frog, Chivu, Juan Jesus; Nagatomo, Zanetti, Gargano, Cambiasso, Pereira; Guarin; Palace.
On the bench: Belec, Di Gennaro, Silvestre, Mbaye, Mariga, Jonathan, Benassi, Obi, Mudingayi, Duncan, Livaja, Rocchi.
Coach: Andrea Stramaccioni.
Unavailable: Stankovic, Castellazzi, Alvarez, Samuel, Coutinho, Cassano, Milito.
Disqualified: nobody.
Referee: Daniele Orsato (Schio).
Line assistants: By Liberatore – Manganelli.
Door attendants: Damato – Romeo.
Fourth man: Iannello.
