How Roma and Inter could line-up in Serie A clash

2:00pm on Saturday 9th January 2021
By Emmet Gates

Having lost against Sampdoria during the week, Antonio Conte knows he can ill afford another loss as they travel to the Italian capital to face a Roma side that are only three points behind the Nerazzurri in the table.

Roma are in a great run of form at the minute under Paulo Fonseca, and a win would see Roma level with Inter in second place in the table.

The Giallorossi put three past Crotone in midweek, and have won their last three on the bounce.

The home side have a full squad to pick from for the game, with the only short-term absentee being Spanish winger Pedro.

Fonseca will utilise his standard 3-4-2-1 formation. Chris Smalling is expected to start in the centre of defence, flanked by Roger Ibanez and Gianluca Mancini.

In midfield, Roma will likely pair Jordan Veretout and Gonzalo Villar together in the central areas. Leonardo Spinazzola and Rick Karsdorp will play on the wings.

In attack, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is nailed on to start, whilst Lorenzo Pellergini will continue to deputise for Pedro. Edin Dzeko of course will lead the line for Roma. Borja Mayoral may come off the bench should things get difficult for Roma.

Inter meanwhile also have a full-strength team to pick from.

Conte could chose the same starting XI as he did in the defeat away to Sampdoria.

Expect Milan Skrinriar, Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan De Vrij to occupy the defensive positions.

Ashley Young and Achraf Hakimi will continue to play in the wing-back positions.

Arturo Vidal, Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella should all start in the midfield positions.

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez will likely start in attack for Inter.

Alexis Sanchez, who missed a vital penalty against Samp in midweek, will likely come off the bench in the latter stages of the game.