Roma and Inter arrive at the Olimpico level on 12 points from four Serie A victories, turning their meeting into an early test of authority rather than a simple clash between two unbeaten sides. With the international break to follow, at least one of the clubs will remain top of the table after a sold-out evening in the capital.
Last season’s 6-2 aggregate result in Inter’s favour offers little guidance now. Roma have made significant progress over the past year, while Inter have also strengthened their standing at the start of the campaign. For Gian Piero Gasperini, the occasion also brings an opponent who has long proved difficult for him, but he approaches it with a full squad and no fresh injury concerns.
Roma have added a draw away to Fenerbahce to their perfect domestic opening, and their coach has options in every department. The principal decision concerns the attacking line behind Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala, who are expected to start together.
Roma weigh attacking and defensive choices
Mati Soulé is currently ahead of Rodrigo Mora for the advanced midfield role, with Roma seeking a player capable of troubling Piotr Zielinski in Inter’s midfield. Niccolò Pisilli is another possibility, having previously been used further forward.
At the back, Mile Svilar should have either Evan Ndicka or Leonardo Balerdi alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Hermoso has recovered from a minor ankle knock, while Ndicka is again fully available after the intestinal virus that kept him out of the trip to Turin. Ndicka appears to hold a narrow advantage, although Balerdi’s display against Torino has given Gasperini another serious option.
The right flank presents another close call between Lulli and Nahuel Molina. Lulli’s greater defensive reliability could earn him the place, particularly with Wesley expected on the opposite side, despite his limited experience in fixtures of this scale.
Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante are set to resume their midfield partnership, with Marten de Roon available from the bench. Lorenzo Pellegrini will be included in the squad, though his return to action is likely to wait until after the international break.
Inter rebuild midfield without Calhanoglu
Cristian Chivu has fewer unresolved questions, largely because Hakan Calhanoglu’s absence makes Piotr Zielinski the clear choice to direct the Inter midfield. Nicolò Barella is expected on the right, while Curtis Jones is favoured over Petar Sucic for the left-sided midfield role.
Jones’s experience could prove decisive in a match carrying early-season significance, with Sucic viewed as an option to alter the contest later on. Federico Dimarco should return on the left wing, while Diouf is in line to keep his place on the right.
Pepo Martinez is set to continue in goal despite costly mistakes against Real Madrid and Udinese. In front of him, Inter are expected to use their most established defensive unit: Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni. John Stones will not return until after the break.
The attack is expected to feature Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram from the opening whistle. Their partnership gives Inter continuity at the front, while Roma’s selection decisions suggest Gasperini intends to meet them with energy and flexibility rather than dwell on the previous season’s scoreline.
For both clubs, the reward extends beyond three points. A victory would provide a statement before the pause in the schedule; a draw would preserve an unbeaten opening. Either way, the Olimpico will stage the first major measure of two sides who have begun Serie A at the same pace.
