Roma vs Inter: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

The Eternal City braces for another top-table showdown as Inter Milan comes to town on Saturday, 18 October. More than just a battle for points, it’s a clash of styles and a rivalry between two proud footballing cities.

AS Roma boasts one of the tightest defences in European football, while Inter remains the most free-scoring side in Italy, setting the stage for a compelling tactical duel at the Olimpico.

Roma's Bulletproof Defence

AS Roma presents a formidable foe this campaign. Under the unrelenting baton of new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, the Giallorossi are sharing the top spot with Napoli, having conceded only twice in the six Serie A fixtures and booking four clean sheets in the process.

They haven't been able to capitalize on the other end, though, sharing the least amount of goals scored of all teams in the upper half of the table (7).

But Gasperini and the crew won't be bothered too much by it. Losing to Lille in Europe, they returned to winning ways at a tough ground away at Fiorentina (1:2) and welcome Inter to the Stadio Olimpico with confidence.

AS Roma Injury and Suspension News

Paulo Dybala is in contention for the starting lineup in what would be his second start in Serie A this term. Also, Leon Bailey might finally be ready to make his Roma debut, after picking up an injury on his first training with the club. Spanish defender Angelino hasn’t been seen in training and remains a question mark.

Inter Riding the Momentum

Despite free-flowing football and a solid start to the campaign, Inter still has levels to go this season under coach Cristian Chivu. The Nerazzurri started the campaign with two losses out of three. Especially painful was the 4:3 Derby d'Italia defeat to Juve, after which they picked up the pieces and went on a five-game undefeated run, winning four.

Undoubtedly, the Romanian coach (and ex-Roma and Inter player, incidentally) has a few defensive frailties to sort out, but the attacking duo of Lautaro Martines and Ange Bonny has been electric so far. The Nerazzurri also won their last four bouts at the Olimpico, and with momentum on their side, they'll be looking to make it five and overtake Roma on the table.

Inter Milan Injury & Suspension News

Despite the club pushing for a big return of Marcus Thuram, the Frenchman is likely to sit this one out. Matteo Darmian is another absentee for Inter, while the third-choice goalkeeper, Raffaele Di Gennaro, requires wrist surgery.

AS Roma vs Inter Prediction

Chivu will be aware of the criticism his team received after the Juve defeat and probably won't go all guns blazing on Saturday. I have a hunch that he'll rely on Dimarco in midfield and the defence of Akanji, de Vrij, and Bastoni to keep things tight instead.

Gasperini isn't likely to overcommit either, especially this season when it's working so well on the defensive side. To me, this looks like a classic Italian job.

CryptoGamba tip: Under 2.5 goals – 1.75 @Metaspins