AS Roma vs Inter Milan

This is the type of tactical warfare that sends YouTube hipsters into delirium (you know the ones with tactics board everywhere).  Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has been a revolutionary figure in Serie A, eroding stereotypes of dour Italian pragmatism.  His heavy-metal, anti-Allegri-ball style has made the league a more exhilarating prospect for neutrals.  His table-topping Roma side faces their sternest test of the season in the form of Cristian Chivu’s swashbuckling champions.  I just wanted to illuminate a couple of pros and cons for both sides going into Saturday’s mega-clash. 

AS Roma

Pros

1. Tactical innovation flummoxing opponents

Gasperini’s high-octane 3-4-2-1 formation is a cornerstone of modern Serie A football.  And his tactic of ‘emptying the midfield’ has been a core tenet of their early-season success.  The two central midfield players- usually Cristante and Koné- form a double-pivot that drop incredibly deep in buildup play.  It gives the opposition two choices: sit off and allow Roma to easily get out from the back or press and potentially vacate huge areas of space for the likes of Dybala and Malen to exploit.  They have perfected the art of goading the opposition into overcommitting, scoring twelve goals and conceding just one in their four games thus far. 

2. Malen and Dybala leading the way

From his up-and-down time at Dortmund to his ill-fated time at Villa, you always got the impression that Donyell Malan was in search of a club that was tailormade for him.  He has found that at AS Roma.  He is the complete focal point under Gasperini, using his supreme athleticism to stretch defences.  No player has scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues than Malen since he made his debut on 18^th January.  Dybala and Soule are essentially the Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers of this side, inverted 10’s who provide Malen with support.  Dybala is the talismanic playmaker, leading the Serie A assist charts with four contributions.  Gasperini has managed to rediscover the Dybala that delighted Juve fans a decade ago. 

Cons

1. Can they do it against an elite, high-pressing side?

This is a question that has plagued many of Gasperini’s former sides (especially Atalanta).  Does this system potentially self-destruct against a high-pressing machine full of talented individuals.  If Inter press from the front, and press aggressively, they can catch Roma in their own trap.  Roma’s 1-1 Champions League draw at Fenerbahçe showed that they do become a bit wobbly in elevated scenarios. 

2. Overdependency on key men

Magician Dybala provided three assists for Malen in Roma’s 4-0 victory over Fiorentina, marking the first time since 2021 that a Serie A player assisted the same player three times in a single match.  As cool as that sounds, it does underpin a certain dependence that Roma have on these two mavericks.  Sure, the likes of Pisilli and Kone can pop up from time to time.  But the whole structure of the team hinges on ‘Dybalen’.  If Inter can keep them quiet, they could nullify Roma’s attacking threat.  It’s easier said then done, with the entire Roma side working towards creating space for the frontmen. 

Inter Milan

Pros

1. Head-to-head superiority

Inter need only look back to April to find some positive memories going into this game.  The Nerazzurri thrashed the Giallorossi 5-2 at the San Siro in April, with goals shared by the likes of Martinez, Thuram and Barella.  Moreover, Inter have won their last eight competitive outings against the side of the capital.  That shows you the levels that Inter set and Roma still aspire to.  Roma have to psychologically work their way through that inferiority complex. 

2. Free-scoring, never-say-die attitude

Cristian Chivu’s men are in exhilarating goal-scoring form this season, leading Serie A with 13 league goals.  They have spread the goal-scoring love, with seven different players finding the scoresheet.  That multi-faceted approach to scoring gives them more attacking outlets.  Chivu has made a conscious effort to push them up the field and make them press even higher this year.  Inter’s attacking fluidity have bailed them out of several disasters, helping them reel in two-goal deficits against Napoli and Udinese.  This Chivu side doesn’t know when it’s beat.  And the obvious one-two punch of Martinez and Thuram is as dangerous a striking duo as any in European football (which isn’t saying much considering there aren’t many striking duos left). 

Cons

1 The Calhanoglou absence

Midfield conductor Hakan Calhanoglu is set to miss the trip to the Stadio Olimpico due to a right-thigh abductor strain.  The deep-lying playmaker is at the fulcrum of everything that Inter does, setting the tempo and providing a sense of calm to the midfield area.  His presence- especially given Chivu’s desire to move further up the field- will be missed.  Zielinksi has looked decent in that role but lacks the Turk’s vision and stability. 

2. A tactical shift causing lack of defensive solidity

Chivu’s decision to try force the players further up the pitch has added a risk-reward dimension to the side.  Inter have shown courage and heart this campaign but have also shipped six goals.  How much space do they feel comfortable leaving in behind them?  Could they be playing directly into Roma’s hands if they look to aggressively press Cristante and Kone?  That’s the wonderful cat-and-mouse dimension of this match.  Inter want to press; Roma want them to press.  Could Inter fall into a trap here?  Speaking of defensive solidity, it will be fascinating to see what they do in that left wing-back role.  Augusto has been incredible in DiMarco’s absence, but DiMarco is DiMarco.  Perhaps Chivu will be tempted to move Augusto into the back-three if DiMarco is ready to start.