Roma vs Inter Prediction: 20/10/2024

Since 2018, Roma has been unable to secure a spot in the Serie A top four, but they are determined to break this trend and qualify for the Champions League this season. However, the 2024/2025 campaign has been far from ideal, with instability plaguing the club. After failing to win any of their first four matches, head coach Daniele De Rossi was replaced by Ivan Juric.

Although the coaching change didn’t initially please the fans, Roma managed to bounce back, defeating Udinese 3-0 and Venice 2-1. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Monza right before the international break. Thanks to this upturn in form, Roma currently sits in 9th place, just three points away from the top four. Their Europa League journey, however, has been less promising, with a draw against Bilbao and an unexpected loss to Elfsborg.

Inter Milan, last year’s dominant Serie A champions, cruised to the title with a comfortable 19-point lead over their nearest competitor. Once again, they are favorites to defend their title this season. Currently in second place, just two points behind the leaders, Inter stumbled slightly after the September break, drawing 1-1 with Monza and losing 1-2 to AC Milan.

However, they have since regained momentum with narrow victories over Udinese (3-2) and Torino (2-3). Although they reached the Champions League final in 2023, Inter were knocked out in the round of 16 last year. They aim to improve on that this season, having kicked off their European campaign with a strong draw against Manchester City and a convincing win over Red Star Belgrade.

Roma will be without winger Alexis Saelemaekers, who joined the club this summer, while experienced defender Mats Hummels and key forward Paulo Dybala remain doubtful. Ukrainian international Dovbyk, who scored 3 goals so far, has quickly established himself in the starting lineup, as has French international Manu Koné in midfield. Playmaker and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is expected to start despite being sent off during Italy’s recent international break.

For Inter, backup winger Tajon Buchanan is still sidelined due to injury, while midfielder Nicolo Barella took advantage of the international break to recover from a minor issue and could return to the squad. Up front, the attacking duo of captain Lautaro Martinez (2 goals and 1 assist in Serie A) and French international Marcus Thuram (7 goals and 1 assist) will lead the charge. Thuram, who scored a hat-trick against Torino, has been a key figure for Inter this season. Defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco, along with midfield captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, are also available for selection.

 

Prediction

AS Roma have struggled at home, losing eight of their last ten Serie A matches and failing to score in their last four games. While Inter have not been in perfect form on the road, they have only lost once in their last seven away games.

Prediction: AS Roma 0 : 1 Inter