The Inter Lineup That Should Start Against Roma
Inter will look to close the gap at the top of Serie A to three points on Sunday, when they meet Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Nerazzurri have won two games on the bounce, and must continue that run of form if they want to catch league leaders Juventus. With tough final fixtures against Napoli and Atalanta, there is no room for error from Antonio Conte’s men.
The Serie A side are without four players for the trip to the capital, all sidelined through injury. Romelu Lukaku, Matías Vecino and Nicolò Barella are all unavailable, while Stefano Sensi is unlikely to be fit enough to make the matchday squad.
Here is the Inter lineup that should start on Sunday.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Samir Handanović (GK) - Captain Handanović has had another superb season in goal, and will make his 31st league appearance of the season. His nine league clean sheets is the joint-third best defensive record, as he looks to make it double digits for the third straight campaign.
Milan Škriniar (CB) - Škriniar should remain in the back three for the trip to Rome, after starting in the 4-0 win over SPAL. The Slovakian should take caution however, as he sits at risk of suspension with nine yellow cards.
Stefan de Vrij (CB) - Although Andrea Ranocchia sat in the heart of defence last time out, De Vrij looks set to reclaim his spot. He has made 38 appearances this season, with three goals and four assists an impressive return for the centre-back.
Diego Godín (CB) - Veteran Godín should complete Inter’s defence, for his 29th game of the season in all competitions. He has been a welcome addition at the back for Conte, and his experience will be critical in these final few weeks of the Serie A season.
2. Midfielders
Antonio Candreva (RWB) - Candreva will start on the right side of midfield, as he looks to add to his 16 goal contributions for the season. The 33-year-old has been in favour under Conte, playing in 81% of the Nerazzurri’s games.
Roberto Gagliardini (CM) - Having scored just his fourth goal of the season against SPAL, Gagliardini will keep his place in midfield. He has started all eight games since the restart, and will surely make it nine at the Stadio Olimpico.
Marcelo Brozović (CM) - Brozović has also cemented his spot in Inter’s midfield, forming a solid partnership alongside Gagliardini. The Croatian midfielder has scored just three goals this season, and will need another big performance if the visitors want to take all three points.
Ashley Young (LWB) - Although he just turned 35 this month, Young has excelled under Conte since arriving from Manchester United (going forward, at least). The Englishman has played in every single Serie A game since arriving in Milan, with a goal and an assist in his last two.
Christian Eriksen (AM) - Eriksen will sit just in behind Inter’s strikeforce, retaining his place in the starting eleven. He has six goal contributions since joining up with Conte, and will be eager to finish his debut season on a high with some solid displays.
3. Forwards
Lautaro Martínez (FW) - With top scorer Lukaku set to be sidelined for Sunday, Inter will rest their hopes on second-top scorer Martínez. The Argentine has had an electric season at San Siro, scoring 18 goals in 40 appearances for the Nerazzurri.
Alexis Sánchez (FW) - Sánchez will partner up with Martínez at the Stadio Olimpico, forming a deadly partnership as ever. His goal against SPAL was just his third of the season, as he continues to find his feet ahead of a massive few weeks for Inter.
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