On Saturday, the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milano played host for the big clash of the Italian weekend, as Inter and Roma locked horns in a battle between two top sides who are desperate to improve their current league status. Despite starting on the wrong foot, the visitors earned a come-from-behind victory to pile more pressure on Simone Inzaghi’s shoulders.
Starting Lineups
Inzaghi maintained his signature 3-5-2 tactical lineup, spearheaded by Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko. In the absence of the influential Marcelo Brozovic, the tactician gave Kristjan Asllani his first start for Inter, alongside Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Denzel Dumfries and the in-form Federico Dimarco took the wingback roles, while Francesco Acerbi received the nod ahead of Stefan de Vrij in defense. The Italian center back was accompanied by Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni at the back.
Team news ?⚫?#InterRoma #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/VqbhD26ShA
— Inter (@Inter_en) October 1, 2022
On the other hand, the suspended José Mourinho adopted a 3-4-2-1 formation with Paulo Dybala acting as a false nine while Tammy Abraham was relegated to the bench. La Joya was supported by Roma Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolò Zaniolo, while Zeki Celik and Leonardo Spinazzola darted the wings.
Nemanja Matic and Bryan Cristante served in the double-pivot roles, ahead of the all-too-familiar backline of Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling and Roger Ibanez.
The Kickoff
Dzeko pounced on a debacle inside the box to beat Rui Patricio with a low mid-range shot. The former Roma captain gracefully opted not to celebrate against his former employers, and with VAR then disallowing the goal for an offside position, the Bosnian had surely made the right call by avoiding an embarrassing situation.
???? #InterRoma pic.twitter.com/BUnVSRmEGU
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) October 1, 2022
Inter Take the Lead
At the half-hour mark, the Nerazzurri struck the net again, and this time the goal stood. Barella makes a diagonal run in the middle of the park before sending a clever ball towards Dimarco.
The Italian beat Celik in the sprint and sends a low shot towards the near post which wrong-footed Patricio. The Latter tried to make a late save, but his late touch wasn’t enough, as the the ball still creeped in.
Dybala Stunner
Nonetheless, the hosts’ lead was short-lived, as Paulo Dybala brought his side back on level terms with an absolute scorcher. Spinazzola stole the ball and brought it forward from the left lane, noticing the Argentine on the far side of the box.
The Euro 2020 hero sent a lovely cross towards his teammate, and the former Juventus star unleashed a rocket on the volley that left Samir Handnovic with no chance, albeit he made contact with the ball.
Dangerous Inter
At the hour mark, Dybala left his spot on the pitch for Abraham after sustaining a slight knock. Following the Argentine’s exit, Roma retreated back to their areas, allowing Inter to dominate the play.
The Nerazzurri won a series of successive freekicks, with Calhanoglu’s shot crashing against the woodwork on one attempt. Few minutes later, Asllani almost scored, but his long-range shot whistled past the post.
Smalling Turns it Upside-Down
With 15 minutes remaining on the clock, the Giallorossi completed the comeback, albeit against the run of play. Mancini won a dubious penalty in the middle of the park, and Pellegrini’s sublime long ball is met by Smalling who put his header past the stranded Handanovic.
Inter and Inzaghi in Shambles
Following some desperate attempts to salvage something out of the match, Inter succumbed to their fourth defeat of the Serie A campaign, as Roma emerged victorious with two goals to one.
The situation at Appiano Gentile has now reached its climax, so can Inzaghi survive this latest defeat?
⏱️ FT | I giallorossi espugnano il "Meazza"! #InterRoma 1️⃣-2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/S6FDpESXzm
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) October 1, 2022
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