Inter Milan vs. Roma | Serie A | Pre Match
Inter Milan vs. Roma
As Inter Milan prepare to host Roma at the San Siro on Sunday, the Nerazzurri find themselves at a critical juncture in their Serie A title defense, level on 71 points with Napoli and reeling from a midweek Coppa Italia exit at the hands of arch-rivals AC Milan. The 3-0 defeat in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, resulting in a 4-1 aggregate loss, marked a low point in an otherwise impressive season for Simone Inzaghi’s side, exposing vulnerabilities in an aging squad that has shown signs of fatigue after a grueling schedule. The loss to Milan, coupled with a last-gasp defeat to Bologna in Serie A, has seen Inter suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time this campaign, a rare occurrence for a team that had enjoyed a 13-game unbeaten streak in the league prior to their recent stumbles. With the Scudetto race tighter than ever and a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona looming, Inter face a Roma side riding a remarkable 17-game unbeaten streak in Serie A, under the steady guidance of interim coach Claudio Ranieri. The clash at the San Siro is not just a battle for three crucial points but a test of Inter’s ability to arrest their slide and reassert their dominance, while Roma aim to capitalize on their momentum and rewrite a historically unfavorable record against the Nerazzurri.
Inter’s recent struggles have raised concerns about their form and fitness, particularly as they navigate a congested fixture list that includes a pivotal European tie. The Coppa Italia defeat to Milan was a stark reminder of the challenges facing Inzaghi’s squad, which has been stretched thin by injuries and suspensions. The Nerazzurri’s inability to beat Milan for a fifth time this season, following losses in the Supercoppa final and the league, highlighted tactical and physical deficiencies that have crept into their play. The 3-0 loss at the San Siro was particularly galling, as Milan’s Luka Jovic and Tijjani Reijnders exploited Inter’s uncharacteristically porous defense, which has leaked an alarming number of goals in recent weeks. This defensive frailty, combined with the absence of key players like Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who are suspended for the Roma match, poses a significant challenge for Inzaghi as he seeks to steady the ship. The return of Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski to training offers some hope, but the potential absence of Marcus Thuram, whose fitness remains in doubt, further complicates Inzaghi’s selection dilemma. With Joaquin Correa, Marko Arnautovic, and Mehdi Taremi vying to partner Lautaro Martinez up front, and Roma loanee Nicola Zalewski potentially stepping in for Matteo Darmian at wing-back, Inzaghi’s rotations will be scrutinized as Inter aim to avoid a third consecutive defeat, a scenario they have not faced in Serie A since 2022.
Despite their recent setbacks, Inter can draw confidence from their formidable record against Roma, particularly at home. The Nerazzurri have won three of their last four home games against the Giallorossi and are on the cusp of securing five consecutive league victories over Roma for only the third time in their history, a feat last achieved in 1978. This historical dominance, coupled with Roma’s solitary win in their last 15 top-flight meetings with Inter, suggests that the San Siro remains a daunting venue for the capital club. However, Roma’s current form under Ranieri presents a formidable challenge, as the Giallorossi have transformed their season since the veteran coach returned for his third stint at the club. Ranieri, who once endured a brief and unsuccessful spell at Inter, has overseen a remarkable revival, guiding Roma to a 17-game unbeaten streak in Serie A that stretches back to December. With 12 victories during that run, Roma are on the verge of matching their longest unbeaten streak in the league since a 24-game run between 2009 and 2010, a period also under Ranieri’s stewardship. The Giallorossi’s resurgence has propelled them into contention for a top-four finish, with just three points separating them from the Champions League places, making Sunday’s clash a pivotal moment in their European aspirations.
Roma’s turnaround under Ranieri is a testament to the coach’s pragmatic approach and ability to galvanize a squad that was languishing in the bottom half earlier in the season. Since taking charge, Ranieri has instilled discipline and resilience, qualities that have been evident in Roma’s recent performances, including a draw in the Derby della Capitale and a hard-fought victory over Hellas Verona. The Giallorossi have accrued more points than any other Serie A side in 2025, a statistic that underscores their consistency and growing confidence. Ranieri’s tactical flexibility, often characterized by subtle adjustments to personnel and formation, has allowed Roma to adapt to various challenges, and their settled squad for the Inter match gives them an edge over their injury-hit opponents. The main selection dilemma for Ranieri revolves around the choice of striker, with in-form Eldor Shomurodov, who scored the winner against Verona, competing with Artem Dovbyk for a starting role. The absence of Paulo Dybala and Victor Nelsson is a blow, but the return of captain Lorenzo Pellegrini from a shoulder injury provides leadership and creativity in midfield, bolstering Roma’s chances of pulling off a rare victory at the San Siro.
The broader context of this fixture adds further intrigue, as both teams are navigating pivotal moments in their seasons. For Inter, the match is an opportunity to halt their slide and reassert their title credentials in a race that has become unexpectedly competitive. With Napoli breathing down their necks, Inzaghi’s side cannot afford further slip-ups, particularly with the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona demanding their attention. The Nerazzurri’s fans, accustomed to success in recent years, will look to their historical advantage over Roma as a source of optimism, but the pressure is on Inzaghi to deliver a performance that restores confidence in his squad’s ability to compete on multiple fronts. For Roma, the trip to Milan represents a chance to make a statement against one of Italy’s elite clubs and solidify their status as genuine top-four contenders. Ranieri’s experience in high-stakes matches, combined with Roma’s fearless approach in 2025, makes them a dangerous proposition, and a positive result could propel them closer to the Champions League places while dealing a significant blow to Inter’s title hopes.
As the San Siro prepares to host this blockbuster encounter, the contrast between Inter’s pedigree and Roma’s resurgence promises a fascinating battle. Inter’s depth and home advantage make them slight favorites, but Roma’s unbeaten streak and Ranieri’s tactical nous ensure that an upset is within reach. The Nerazzurri’s ability to manage their injury crisis and rediscover their defensive solidity will be crucial, while Roma’s success will hinge on their ability to exploit Inter’s vulnerabilities and overcome their historical struggles against this opponent. With the Scudetto race, European ambitions, and pride on the line, Sunday’s match is a defining moment for both clubs, a clash that could shape the narrative of their seasons and determine their paths forward in a campaign filled with drama and unpredictability.
