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October 20, 2024
Credit to Italian Serie A Image Gallery
A single goal from Lautaro Martinez proved decisive as Inter edged past Roma with a narrow 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico. The match was a frustrating one for Roma, as several of their players underperformed, failing to live up to expectations in a crucial home fixture. Despite the Giallorossi’s attempts to mount a response, they struggled to find the necessary spark, leaving them unable to break down a resilient Inter side.
Inter’s victory came in the midst of a challenging match, especially after a difficult start that saw key players Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi forced off due to injuries within the first 27 minutes. These early setbacks threatened to disrupt Inter’s rhythm, but the team showed grit and resilience, finding a way to push through and secure the win. Despite losing two influential figures, the Nerazzurri managed to outlast Ivan Juric’s Roma side, whose performance lacked creativity and intensity, especially in attack.
Martinez netted his third goal in seven Serie A appearances this season, capitalizing on a series of defensive errors from Roma. His finish was brilliant, but it stemmed from Roma’s mistakes: Nicola Zalewski lost possession, triggering the Nerazzurri’s counter-attack, and Zeki Celik gave the ball away near the edge of the box, allowing Lautaro to strike.
The defending Serie A champions remained resilient at the back throughout the match. While Roma ended with a slight edge in possession (55% to 45%), it was Inter who created the more dangerous opportunities, registering six shots on target compared to Roma’s three. Inter could have extended their lead in the second half but failed to convert additional chances.
Roma’s best opportunity came in the final minute when Matias Soulé unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing a sharp save from Yann Sommer, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the defeat.
Roma: Svilar 7; Mancini 6, N’Dicka 6.5, Angelino 6 (79′ Hermoso N/A); Celik 5, Kone 5.5 (53′ Pisilli 5.5), Cristante 5.5 (79′ Le Fée N/A), Zalewski 4.5 (72′ Baldanzi 6); Dybala 6 (79′ Soulé 6), Pellegrini 5; Dovbyk 5.5. Coach: Juric 5
Best Roma Player: Svilar 7 – Svilar made a few crucial saves, one in each half, that kept Roma in the game. Unfortunately, it’s never a positive sign when the goalkeeper is the top performer, underscoring the team’s broader struggles.
Lowest Roma rating: Zalewski 4.5 – A far cry from the player who shines for Poland, Zalewski had a difficult night. His crosses were ineffective, which has been a recurring issue, and his lost possession directly led to Inter’s winning goal—a mistake that should have been handled with more composure.
Roma Coach: Juric 5 – Juric’s side lacked energy and creativity. While they showed moments of defensive solidity, they struggled to generate meaningful chances in attack. It’s disheartening for fans, as the team already seems to be running out of steam, and the season is far from over.
Inter: Sommer 7; Pavard 6, Acerbi 6 (27′ De Vrij 6.5), Bastoni 6.5 (72′ Bisseck 6); Darmian 6 (72′ Dumfries 6.5), Barella 6.5, Calhanoglu N/A (12′ Frattesi 6), Mkhitaryan 6.5, Dimarco 6; Lautaro 7 (72′ Correa 5.5), Thuram 6.5. Coach: Inzaghi 7
Best Inter Player: Lautaro 7 – Lautaro was back to his best, scoring a superb and decisive goal that secured the win. He was subbed off late to rest ahead of Inter’s upcoming Champions League fixture.
Lowest Inter Rating: Correa 5.5 – Correa struggled to make an impact after coming on. He didn’t contribute enough defensively and picked up a yellow card for his troubles.
Inter Coach: Inzaghi 7 – Inzaghi managed the game well under difficult circumstances, losing two key players to injury within the first 30 minutes. Securing a victory at the Stadio Olimpico is never easy, and the result was a well-earned win for his side.
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