Internazionale – AS Roma: Return Of El Toro Drives Horns Through Roman Calvary (5-2)

The kryptonite of Gian Piero Gasperini’s man-marking scheme has always been Internazionale. Lautaro Martínez returned at the right time, as direct attacks ran havoc against AS Roma at a crucial point towards the Scudetto conclusion.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

Six points on top, Inter could afford no slip-ups to allow AC Milan or Napoli back in the title conversation, ahead of their major showdown in Naples on Monday.

Historically, the opponent of Roma has found a way to be a thorn in one’s side. Claudio Ranieri devised a plan which utilised the dribbling of Matías Soulé and caught Inter’s midfield between jumping high and retreating, three points that were the difference in winning the Scudetto last year. Since 2010, Inter have beaten Roma just six times at San Siro, prior to this game. An unwanted opponent, although Gasperini’s own record against Inter is not one to shout about; the last win being in 2018.

Both teams went into this game with a sour taste. No win in three Serie A games for the league leaders. Often this leads to a period of self-reflection, which makes Chivu’s grievances with the media’s reaction over decisions for/against Inter a strange angle to take in the pre-match presser. Roma came into this game in no greater position, having slipped out of fourth to . . .