Roma will take on Inter Milan later today at the Olimpico Stadium, marking a crucial fixture in their season. This match is expected to be a challenging test for the home team, particularly after the international break. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces important decisions regarding his lineup and strategy to achieve victory against the last year’s Champions League finalists.
Injury Updates and Tactical Choices
Gasperini will miss key players Angeliño and Leon Bailey. Bailey is still recovering from an injury sustained in his first training session with Roma. The coach expressed hope regarding Bailey’s return, indicating he might be available in a week or two. Gasperini remarked, “He’s a player we’re all counting on,” emphasizing the need for careful management upon his return.
- Injured Players:
- Angeliño
- Leon Bailey (expected return: 1-2 weeks)
In light of these absences, Kostas Tsimikas is anticipated to step in for Angeliño. Gasperini mentioned, “We have Tsimikas at left-back, along with Rensch and Wesley, who can also play on the left.” Varying formations may see either Tsimikas or Rensch starting in the lineup.
Key Player Considerations
Paulo Dybala, who recently returned from injury, could have a pivotal role in this match. Dybala played for 30 minutes against Fiorentina just before the break and has trained well since. Reports suggest he might start as a false 9, allowing him to exploit gaps in Inter’s defense. This approach could enhance fluidity in attack, collaborating with Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Gasperini stated, “When we play, there are always different options, not just one.” Pellegrini may also focus on neutralizing Hakan Çalhanoglu’s influence on the game, a defensive task he managed effectively in previous matches.
Midfield Dynamics
Expect a stable midfield partnership with Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante featuring prominently. Despite Niccolò Pisilli’s impressive performances for Italy’s U21, both Koné and Cristante have been crucial in maintaining consistency this season. Gasperini noted, “We have a very strong, very solid core who are always there whether we win or lose.”
Projected Lineup for Roma
Here is the anticipated lineup for Roma against Inter Milan:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Svilar |
| Defender | Çelik |
| Defender | Mancini |
| Defender | Ndicka |
| Midfielder | Wesley/Tsimikas |
| Midfielder | Koné |
| Midfielder | Cristante |
| Midfielder | Tsimikas/Wesley |
| Forward | Soulé |
| Forward | Pellegrini |
| Forward | Dybala |
As Roma prepares for this essential match, the tactical strategies and lineup decisions will undoubtedly influence their performance against a formidable Inter Milan side. Fans eagerly await the kickoff to see how the team responds on the pitch.
