Having a bad start in the league after only collecting two draws and two defeats in four matches, AS Roma will be eager to get their season going Saturday as they will host one of their biggest rivals, Inter Milan at Olimpico Stadium. The home team are looking to put away the bitter 2-1 defeat they just had against Brescia on Wednesday in the league and move their focus for an important battle against the Nerazzurri.
Meanwhile, the away team will travel to Roma in a good condition and form after picking up their third win in the league this midweek against Bari in San Siro. With Diego Milito having finally broken his goal drought and Samuel Eto’o seemingly scoring at will, the away team are confident that they can steal the three points from the Giallorossi.
Before the big match Saturday, Roma had plenty of injuries and absentees, which are being described as one of the main reasons they lose against Brescia in midweek. However, there could be good news for the home team this weekend as they might be able to field some of their important players again as Daniele De Rossi, Francesco Totti and Nicolas Burdisso could be ready for action.
As for Inter, only captain Javier Zanetti’s condition is still at doubt for the match as he suffered a chest injury that also canceled him out for the game against Bari. Aside from Zanetti, the Nerazzurri looked set to play all of their important players. Keep an eye on the Milito-Eto’o duet up front.
The last five meetings between the two teams are very tight with Inter edging it by winning two, losing one and drawing two although the Nerazzurri’s last two victories happened in the Copa Italy and Italian Super Cup. In the league, Roma was the one that grabbed the latest victory after winning 2-1 at Olimpico last season with De Rossi scoring the winning goal.
Prediction: Despite their current poor form, Roma have always been a tough opponent for Inter in the league as the away team did lose their last meeting at the Olimpico last season. It will be a difficult contest for both teams as the home team are eager to get their first win while the Nerazurri are tough to break when they are in a good form. With Roma’s woeful start, the bookies are slightly favoring Inter to win this game. However, betting on a draw might be the best option.
Odds: +200 for a Roma win, +130 for an Inter win and +220 for a draw
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