Inter vs Roma preview

September 16, 2011
By: Matthew Clarke

The first real derby of the season in Italian Serie A will see two fallen giants of Italian football trying to return to the right track.

Just three games into the season and everybody in Italy are calling for Gian Piero Gasperini to be sacked, which speaks volumes about Massimo Moratti’s choice to replace Leonardo.

The former Genoa coach upset the atmosphere in the squad before the season even started by hinting that he will play team’s most influential player Wesley Sneijder out of position in his 3-4-3 formation.

Following two starting defeats, Gasperini decided to revert to four-man defence against Trabzonspor and his side certainly looked better in that match, but the 1:0 defeat still left a bad taste in his mouth.

Inter now face a must-win game against Roma, who are also in big problems at the moment, with the Neroazzurri 1.91 (9/10) with Victor Chandler to claim maximum points.

Dejan Stankovic, Thiago Motta, Andrea Poli, Cristian Chivu, Maicon and Emiliano Viviano remain sidelined, but Sneijder should finally return to his preferred position.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar – Faraoni, Rannochia, Samuel, Nagatomo – Zanetti, Cambiasso, Alvarez – Sneijder – Forlan, Milito.

The arrival of Luis Enrique and several excellent players hinted that Roma could be in for a very successful season, but their fans have experienced nothing but disappointments so far.

Following the elimination from Europa League at the hands of Slovan Bratislava, Roma succumbed to a home defeat to Cagliari in their opening Serie A game, so things are hardly promising at the moment.

Roma desperately need a morale-boosting win to return to the right track, and the Giallorossi are 4.33 (10/3) with Ladbrokes to win at Meazza.

Pablo Osvaldo and Bojan Krkic are expected to be dropped, with Fabio Borini and Marco Borriello likely to replace them.

Jose Angel is suspended after picking up a red card against Cagliari, while Juan, Greco and Cicinho remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Stekelenburg – Rosi, Burdisso, Heinze, Cassani – Perotta, De Rossi, Pjanic – Borini, Totti, Borriello.

The biggest game of the season is just around the corner with Manchester United playing host to Chelsea on Sunday. Bet365 decided to join in the party and now offer Free In-Play bet on the big match.

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