Inter continued their impressive run of form as they registered a comprehensive 3-0 over Roma in their own backyard. Simone Inzaghi’s side were dominant and ruthless throughout the match and just too good for the Giallorossi.
Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring directly from a corner kick before Edin Dzeko made it 2-0 with a brilliant finish. Denzel Dumfries added a third after heading in from Alessandro Bastoni’s cross.
Inter tried to extend their lead and there were occasions when they should have scored but were unable to do so. Nonetheless, they were able to grab all three points and stay close to the top of the table. This is only the second time Jose Mourinho lost a Serie A home game during his managerial career in Italy.
Starting XIs: Barella and Dzeko back
Mourinho made four changes from Roma’s loss in Bologna with Marash Kumbulla starting at centre-back as Roger Ibanez was moved to right midfielder. In midfielder, Bryan Cristante was included in the lineup at the expense of Amadou Diawara while Matias Vina was brought in place on Stephan El Shaarawy.
Up front, Eldor Shomurodov started in place of the suspended Tammy Abraham.
Inter made three changes from their win over Spezia with Bastoni starting in place of Federico Dimarco while Nicolo Barella was back in the lineup at the expense of Roberto Gagliardini. Dzeko returned to the starting XI with Lautaro Martinez on the bench.
Inter go 3-0 up Thanks to Three Brilliant Goals
Both teams looked to be eager to find the net at the beginning but it was the Nerazzurri who opened the scoring and in some style. Calhanoglu’s corner caught the Roma backline napping and it went all the way into the back of the net.
The Turk provided the pass that led to the second goal from Dzeko. The Bosnian striker decided not to celebrate out of respect for his former club. Inter were now very much on the front foot and had a few chances to extend their lead.
Dzeko nearly made it 3-0 but Rui Patricio denied him before Denzel Dumfries’ header was wide. The Dutchman however, did head in from Bastoni’s accurate cross to triple Inter’s lead and score his first goal for the club. Roma tried to pull one back but couldn’t do so and the first half finished 3-0 to the visitors.
Both Sides had Chances but Could Not Capitalize on Them
Inter started where they left off as Roma’s backline was once again kept busy. The Nerazzurri made a couple of changes close to the hour-mark with Arturo Vidal replacing Barella while Alexis Sanchez came on for Joaquin Correa, who sustained an injury.
Inter had several chances to score but were unable to cash in on them. Roma had a glorious opportunity to find the net through Nicolo Zaniolo. However, his powerful left-footed shot hit the side netting.
Substitute Stefano Sensi had a chance of making it 4-0 but his shot was way over the target. During stoppage time, Mourinho gave teenager Cristian Volpato his debut. In the end, Inter held on to their three-goal lead to win the match.
What’s Next for Roma and Inter
Roma will travel to Bulgaria for their crucial Conference League clash against CSKA Sofia while Inter will go to Spain for their final Champions League fixture versus Real Madrid. A win for the Nerazzurri could see them top their group.
MATCH SCORECARD
Dectember 4, 2021 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 16
ROMA – INTER: 0-3
SCORERS: 15′ Calhanoglu (I), 24′ Dzeko (I), 39′ Dumfries (I)
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ROMA (3-1-4-2): Patricio, Mancini, Smalling, Kumbulla (61′ Bove), Cristante, Ibanez, Mina, Veretout (90+1′ Volpato), Mkhitaryan, Zaniolo, Shomurodov (Villar, Calafiori, Reynolds, Mayoral, Diawara, Darboe, Zalewski, Ndiaye, Boer, Fuzato); Coach: Mourinho |
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INTER MILAN (3-5-2): Handanovic, D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Bastoni (76′ Dimarco), Dumfries, Barella (59′ Vidal) , Brozovic, Calhanoglu (83′ Sensi), Perisic, Dzeko (76′ Vecino) , Correa (59′ Sanchez) (Gagliardini, Martinez, Cordaz, Cortinovis, Zanotti, Carboni, Radu); Coach: Inzaghi |
REFEREE: Mr. Bello
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Ibanez (R), Barella (I), Mancini (R), Zaniolo (R); Added Time: 1st Half 1′, 2nd Half 3′