It is derby day once again in Serie A as Roma prepare to host Inter on Sunday night in a match which comes at perilous times for both sides. Italian giants are going through a rough patch and the forthcoming clash bears great importance.

Inconsistent Roma

Giallorossi have been alternating between wins and losses over the last couple of weeks and their on the road form turned out to be frustratingly inconsistent this early in the new campaign. Luciano Spalletti’s men have failed to win any of their away matches this term, but their home games have been won and by wide margins as well. Thursday’s hammering of Astra Giurgiu and another 4-0 win will have been a major morale boost for Roma ahead of Inter’s visit. UEFA Europa League victory has been inspired by birthday boy Francesco Totti’s assists and Romans head into the Inter clash feeling energised, knowing that a potential win could prove to be a catalyst for a run of results that could reignite Scudetto ambitions for Giallorossi. With their captain better than ever, even in his veteran years, Roma are doing quite well in compensating the summer departures.

Hosts will have several selection issues ahead of the game which could prove crucial, but Luciano Spalletti is confident he could do without Nura, Rudiger, Rui and Vermaelen who are all ruled out with injuries.

Inter ready to turn a corner?

Unable to get back to the path of glory for quite some time, Inter have brought Frank de Boer looking to find the perfect balance and utilise his great man-management skills to bring out the best out of their team. Dutch tactician has encounter several problems at the beginning of his Inter reign such as the problematic relationship with Jeoffrey Kondogbia, and the pressure is not quite yet lifted from his shoulders. Huge 2-1 victory over Serie A champions has surely been helpful in that regard, but slipups such as 1-1 draw against Bologna or the most recent 3-1 loss at Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League have been fairly embarrassing. It all seems like an old pattern as Inter struggle to find consistency themselves as well. The only constant in de Boer’s team so far has been Mauro Icardi, who appears to be deadlier than ever with six goals in six Serie A matches and visitors will hope the 23-year-old Argentine international will be able to continue his scoring exploits.

Kondogbia will make way for youngster Assane Gnoukouri, while Joao Mario will need to be submitted to a late fitness test. Marco Andreolli is a confirmed absentee, while Marcelo Brozovic is yet another Inter player with discipline issues.

Verdict

We should expect to see an action-packed event with plenty of industry on the wings. Both sides are packing several quick-paced players who are in great form and the Sunday’s derby promises to be an eventful affair. Plenty is at stake here with both Roma and Inter looking to remain in the running for the top of the table and three points are absolute must.

Top pick: Roma   2.00 (1/1) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes   1.62 (8/13) @Bet365

Alternative pick 2: Roma/Roma   3.30 (23/10) @PaddyPower