The fight for the top four in Serie A will take centre stage on Saturday when Roma hosts Inter at the Stadio Olimpico from 16:00 GMT.
Inter are in the driving set given their two-point lead over Roma and the fact that they currently occupy the fourth spot. With five matches remaining in Serie A, Inter have it within their hands to qualify for the top four.
Roma, however, can leapfrog their Milan opponents with a win at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday and bolster their chances of making it into the Champions League next season.
Key Highlights
Roma’s Inconsistency in the Rin-In
Jose Mourinho’s men have been inconsistent in their last five matches in Serie A. They have won twice, drawn twice, and lost once in this run. They have picked up eight points and dropped seven in the process.
This inconsistency has seen them cede the top-four initiative to the clubs above them – Milan, Atalanta, and Inter. Roma will be looking to take back control by beating a direct rival in a six-pointer on Saturday when they clash with Inter.
Mourinho will look to cajole his side back to consistent and ruthless form at the business end of the season. With just two points separating the side in fourth and the one in seventh, fine margins will be required to separate them at the end of the season.
The Portuguese tactician will know that consistency will be important in the run-in to bolster their chances of making it into next season’s Champions League.
Inter’s Return to Form
Inter have regained fine form in the last few matches. They are unbeaten in four Serie A matches. They have also won the last three consecutive matches in the league.
This upturn in form has seen Inter climb up to third on the table with 60 points, three behind third-placed Juventus, and crucially two ahead of fifth, sixth, and seventh-placed Atalanta, Milan, and Roma.
However, Simone Inzaghi and his men must maintain this rich vein of form in the remaining five Serie A matches to bolster their chances of making it into the Champions League next season.
Up next is a tough trip to Rome to face Roma in what is turning out to be a top-four six-pointer.
Injury Report
Roma
Jose Mourinho will be without several matchday squad members for the clash against Inter on Saturday.
Center-back Marash Kumbulla (injury to the cruciate ligament) and right-back Rick Karsdorp (knee surgery) and unavailable for selection this weekend.
Mourinho will also be without centre-backs Chris Smalling (hamstring injury) and Diego Llorente (biceps femoris muscle injury).
Roma will also be without the services of centre-forward Andrea Belotti, who has been recovering from a fractured rib since April 29, 2023.
Inter
Simone Inzaghi will be without centre-back Milan Skriniar. The 28-year-old has been nursing a fractured lumbar vertebrae since April 19, 2023.
Inter will also miss the services of left midfielder Robin Gosens who is recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered on April 30, 2023. Gosens has missed six matches for the Nerazzurri.
Inzaghi will also be unable to include Dalbert in the squad due to an injury to the cruciate ligament.
Possible Lineups
Roma
R. Patricio; R. Ibanez, B. Cristante, G. Mancini; N. Zelewski, L. Pellegrini, E. Bove, L. Spinazzola; II Faraone, O. Solbakken; T. Abraham
Inter
S. Handanovic; F. Acerbi, S. de Vrij, D. D’Ambrosio; F. Dimarco, H. Mkhitaryan, M. Brozovic, H. Calhanoglu, D. Dumfries; L. Martinez, E, Dzeko
Prediction
Roma will look to be pragmatic when out of possession and drive at Inter in quick transitions when they win possession.
Inter will look to dominate the ball and force Roma into mistakes in the final third.
Inter will win and bolster their chances of finishing in Serie A’s top four.
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