The litmus test has arrived. Inter-Roma is not only a high-ranking challenge, but also the clash between those who, at least so far, have surprised the most. Positively, that is. On the other hand, the numbers speak for themselves: the Giallorossi, in first place, have the best attack (17 goals scored) and the best defense (only 1 goal conceded). Immediately after, however, at least in terms of figures, there is Inter, with 16 goals scored and 3 conceded. In short, it will be a tough match at San Siro, one of the difficult (if not impossible) ones to predict.
“I think it will be a good match, even in terms of entertainment – thought Walter Mazzarri. – For us it will be another exam, a step to overcome in order to be more and more competitive. Up until now we've played on an equal footing with everyone, and we can do well against Roma too. Then on Sunday, when we have met three top teams, we will be able to better understand where we are".
In this sense, Inter offers more guarantees. In fact, the Nerazzurri, having already faced (and well) Juventus and Fiorentina, have already put their strength to the test. Rome is more of an unknown which, derby aside (but Lazio were certainly not at the top), has not yet faced the top of the standings.
“It will be difficult, but we will play to win – Rudi Garcia puffed out his chest. – The team is calm, serene, and this is the most important thing. We will have 5 fans with us, which is a good thing, and I hope in the end to celebrate with the three points. When you win, it's easier to be motivated and work with confidence. Pressure? We do this job just to play games like this."
There's no denying that this French coach certainly doesn't lack character, capable of overturning yellow and red Rome in just over two months. However, Inter are also defending well, because Mazzarri has done an extraordinary job so far. In short, the one between the two coaches promises to be a challenge within the challenge.
“Immediately, I have a good feeling about Garcia – complimented the Nerazzurri. – He seems to me a concrete one, who does little prose. The players also love him, so he means that he did a good job in the dressing room ”. The Giallorossi is well aware that, around Appiano Gentile, nothing will be left to chance: “In my opinion we will find an Inter that will play in the same way as the other matches, plus they will have the advantage of being at home. For me, however, it's the same, there are 38 days and you always have to take the field to win".
The San Siro effect doesn't seem to scare Garcia that much, but perhaps the Nerazzurri doesn't evoke pleasant memories for him. In the 2011/12 season (the unfortunate season of the Gasperini-Ranieri-Stramaccioni trio) his Lille lost two games out of two against Inter. Those were the days of the Champions League, a competition that the two teams have only watched on TV for too long.
Things are changing though, but no mistakes will be allowed tonight. Even if they don't play in the cups, both have some training problems. Bigger for the hosts, who will once again have to do without Campagnaro and Jonathan ("These aren't serious injuries, but I just want top players" explained Mazzarri), less invasive for the guests, who will still be without a bigwig like Maicon.
The formations should be those announced: 3-5-2 for Inter, with Handanovic in goal, Rolando, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus in defense, Nagatomo, Taider, Cambiasso, Guarin, Pereira in midfield, Alvarez and Palacio in attack, 4 -3-3 for Roma, with De Sanctis in goal, Torosidis, Castan, Benatia, Balzaretti in defence, Pjanic, De Rossi, Strootman in midfield, Florenzi, Totti and Gervinho in attack. On paper, the show is guaranteed, on the bench as well. So let San Siro speak: it's up to him to decide who, between Inter and Roma, is really the revelation of the championship.
