Title Rivals Inter And Roma Clash At The San Siro, But Who Will Come Out On Top?
Inter-Roma is no ordinary clash between two title rivals. Over the past four years or so, it has been the title clash between the only two clubs who ever really competed for it. Each match has been enthralling, full of controversy, red cards, and goals. Claudio Ranieri’s side this term have taken full points off all the teams above them bar Napoli thus far in the campionato and will look to do the double over Inter.
Can Pazzini Fire Inter To Victory Over Roma?
A win for either side here will propel the team onto a Scudetto run to rival Milan, whilst a tie would really do neither side any good: expect both teams to play ferociously in a game that could well decide who lifts that Scudetto trophy in May.
Notable absences include defenders Philippe Mexes and Cristian Chivu, both suspended for the tie due to various disciplinary issues (Mexes is on a 2 game ban for insulting the fourth official while Chivu is beginning a 4 game ban for punching Bari’s Rossi last match). Roma captain Totti is out with the flu.
Roma can also take confidence from the San Siro as in three of their last four visits they have taken the lead, so Inter will have to be alert from the off.
The Nerazzurri have become a galvanized unit under Leonardo and the Brazilian has blown away the Rafa Benitez cobwebs, rejuvenating their title challenge and reigniting the competitive fire in the players.
Bringing in the likes of Andrea Ranocchia and Giampaolo Pazzini has given the strongest squad in Italy a boost with the latter making an instant impact at the club. But the return of goalkeeper Julio Cesar has also been key for a side that has been leaking goals of late.
Both managers are excited by the upcoming game that could have serious implications on the title race. Ranieri commented, “It will be a difficult, exciting and no doubt great performance against Inter,” smirked the Roma coach.
“It is a very important match, we are fighting with the other teams for the Scudetto and are fighting to win. We are determined and going there to take the initiative.”
Inter boss Leonardo seems to be worried about the Roma strike force, in particular Marco Borriello: “I consider him to be one of the best Italian strikers around. Roma, like us, have a wide choice of players. There’s a lot of variety in their squad and it’s big. This is a great asset,” the Nerazzurri boss commented.
“The Inter v Roma match has become a classic in recent years and has been very important in the title race. It will be a great match and hard-fought, as usual. It’s also a match that can be a good indicator of how things could go,” he concluded.
Ranieri's Tactical Selections Will Be Key
Key Matchups
Jeremy Menez vs Inter’s wide players: Menez has been absolutely scorching when deployed out wide and allowed to cut inside. Inter’s wide players- most likely Zanetti, who may drop back into a fullback role to cover for the absent Chivu, as well as Maicon, pending on which flank Menez finds himself- will have to try and contain the livewire Frenchman. That’s been a difficult task for Roma’s opponents thus far this season, as Bayern Munich can attest to- but cutting off Menez means cutting off Roma’s source of creativity.
Roma’s Centerbacks vs Eto and Pazzini: Juan and Burdisso will have to have the best games of their seasons to keep out Inter’s often devastating forwards. Mexes has truly been the standout of Roma’s defense thus far this season, whilst Juan has been uncharacteristically shaky; thus it remains to be seen if last season’s first choice pairing can return to the glorious form that allowed so many shut-outs. Pazzini and Eto’o’s partnership has blossomed in the limited time they have had together, with Pazzini averaging a goal every 45 minutes for the Champions.
Esteban Cambiasso vs Daniele De Rossi: The two defensive midfielders will have huge influence on who wins the match- it could likely go down to who shields the back four more tightly and who distributes the ball more effectively. Both players are having great seasons for their clubs, especially De Rossi, and will need to dominate not only the pitch but also each other.
Leonardo vs Ranieri: Both coaches have their critics. One is criticized for being overly tactical and constantly tinkering with his systems and line-ups. The other for exactly the opposite and being unable to alter a match when his team are struggling. But for Leonardo that fault may just be a little less relevant after his changes during Inter’s match against Bari.
By Julian D and Dov Schiavone
