Prediction: AS Roma vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Away win – yes

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Two of Italy’s representatives in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League will meet this Sunday at Stadio Olimpico, as AS Roma will host Inter Milan in a thrilling Serie A contest. Both sides are desperate for the three points given their position in the standings, so we could be in line for a very open, intense encounter.

AS Roma

Roma are coming off a 0-2 midweek defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, but their overall recent results have not been very good. The Giallorossi side also lost 0-1 to a struggling Udinese side in their previous match, and their recent form doesn’t really inspire confidence. Across all competitions, Roma have won just two of their last five matches (W2, D1, L2) and if we only consider their Serie A contests, then we can see Roma have clinched just five of their most recent 15 points available (W1, D2, L2). That form has them in seventh place with 19 points, but a win here could potentially send the side to fifth place if other results go their way.

Team News

Roma’s attacking line will suffer a massive blow with the absences of Edin Dzeko (thigh) and Stephan El Shaarawy (muscle). Daniele De Rossi out as well due to a knee problem.

Ante Coric (calf) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (muscle) both doubtful.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan are also coming off midweek loss in their trip to Tottenham in the UEFA Champions League and while they might have won just two of their previous five matches across all competitions (W2, D1, L2), their Serie A recent form looks much better. The Neroazzurri have won four of their previous five league matches (W4, L1) and currently sit in third place with 28 points. A win for them – and a potential loss from Napoli – could actually move Inter to second place, and they have all the look of being a title contender. But if they want to confirm that status, then defeating Roma – one of the most underperforming sides this season – is a must.

Team News

Luciano Spalletti won’t have Henrique Dalbert due to a calf problem.

To make things more complicated, Sime Vrsaljko (thigh) and Radja Nainggolan (ankle) are both doubtful.

Key Factors to Consider

• Roma have seen over 3.5 goals in five of their six SA home games this season.
• Late drama? Both sides have scored over 30% of their goals this season after the 75th minute. Inter have also conceded eight of 10 goals during the second half.
• The recent H2H record between both sides – over the past 10 league outings – reads four wins for Roma, three for Inter, and three draws.
• Seven of their past eight meetings have seen both sides scoring.
• Five of their last eight H2H matches have also featured over 2.5 goals scored.

Conclusion

Both sides have enough quality to top the other. However, Roma will be missing some key players, and Inter’s defence has been absolutely stellar thus far.

Therefore, I believe Inter will come out on top to earn the three points in this one.

Verdict: Away win – yes

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport