Prediction: Inter Milan vs AS Roma

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Serie A title race is up for grabs, and this Sunday two of the top teams in the league will collide in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. This Sunday at 19:45 BST, Inter Milan will host AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. Neither side has been in their best form at the moment, and they need to start winning soon if they want to catch up at the top of the standings with Napoli and Juventus.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan started the season on fire, but they have fallen off a cliff in recent weeks. Even though the team remains in third place of the Serie A standings, they have not been playing well of late and their recent results can confirm it. They have not won in any of their last five Serie A matches, and they register three draws and two losses over that span. As a result, Inter fell eight points behind the second-placed team, Juventus, and nine behind Napoli at the top of the standings. Luciano Spalletti’s men remain alive on the title race, but they need to get back to their early-season form as soon as possible. Otherwise, they might have to settle for a Champions League berth. It is still a marked improvement compared to last season, but it would have been a disappointment considering how good they looked earlier this year.

Team News

Inter Milan are almost at full strength ahead of this game.

Danilo D’Ambrosio and Zinho Vanheusden are both ruled out, however. Both will miss the game due to knee problems.

AS Roma

Inter might have struggled in recent weeks, but Roma have not been very good, either. The visitors have won just one of their last five games, with two draws and two losses over that span. However, they are in the midst of a three-game winless run where they have lost against Juventus and Atalanta while equalising against Sassuolo. Just like Inter, Roma started the season far better than what they are right now, and the numbers back them up. They sit in fifth place of the standings and a win could potentially lift them up to third place, but they have a nine-point advantage over the sixth-placed, Sampdoria. As such, Roma are likely to remain alive on the fight for a Champions League berth. But a win would certainly boost their (slim) title chances. Will they begin their turnaround playing against a tough home side such as Inter?

Team News

Roma won’t have Rick Karsdorp and Luca Pellegrini. Both players have been ruled out due to knee injuries.

There could be a third absentee, though. Gregoire Defrel is doubtful due to a knee injury as well. He will require a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• Both teams have struggled in recent weeks. Inter are riding a five-game winless run, while Roma are riding a three-game winless run of their own.
• Roma have a lot of talent on their attacking end, but the numbers have not reflected it. They have scored just 30 goals, the lowest mark of the top eight teams in the Serie A.
• Both teams have dazzled defensively, however. Roma have allowed 14 goals and Inter have conceded just 15. They are two of the top defensive units in the league.
• Roma’s last five games have seen under 3,5 goals. Conversely, Inter’s last four games have had under 2,5 goals as well.
• The H2H record between these two sides has been quite even over their last five matches. There have been two wins for each and one draw in the last five meetings between both clubs.

Conclusion

Roma and Inter are two of the top defensive teams in the Serie A. However, we might find ourselves with an open game in this one considering both teams need to win to bolster their position in the standings.

Expect to see over 2.5 goals in this one.

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport