Two teams with contrasting fortunes met in Rome in the Saturday evening clash in Serie A. Roma’s abysmal start has seen them sink to second from bottom in the table with just two points from their four games. It’s business as usual for Inter, who are perched on the summit after winning their last three league matches.
The match provided several moments of intrigue but there was little in the way of goalmouth action. After a slow first half, the match picked up in the second but eventually seemed doomed to finish goalless. Unfortunately for Rafael Benitez, one Roma icon and one goal-fancying Montenegrin had alternative plans.
Roma’s fans, led of course by Francesco Totti on the field, shouted angrily for a penalty in the 18th minute. Marco Borriello was chasing down a rebound in the area and Lucio cleared with a high boot before connecting with the striker at neck height.
Dejan Stankovic’s powerful shot in the 38th minute came close to providing the first goal, cannoning off the crossbar after an even but uninspiring first half hour. It heralded a burst of Inter pressure but it was a mis-control by Totti that eventually ensured a goalless first half.
Esteban Cambiasso had the first chance of the second period. Wesley Sneijder picked out the Argentine with an inswinging cross from deep but he was unable to achieve proper contact on his header after escaping Roma’s defensive line to remain onside.
Jeremy Menez had a superb match manning the wings for Roma and began to really threaten Inter from the right flank after the interval. Ten minutes after the break he eased past Cristian Chivu and zipped the ball across the six yard box just centimetres out of the reach of the on-rushing Borriello.
On the hour, Julio Cesar inexplicably picked the ball up after having already put it down and allowed himself to be put under pressure. Roma were awarded an indirect free kick six yards from goal but Totti’s shot flew harmlessly over the crossbar.
The yellow card made repeated appearances 15 minutes from the end as the match became disjointed, with late challenges flying in and little scrappy spats punctuating the play.
Samuel Eto’o, having moved back up front when Sulley Muntari replaced Diego Milito, had a good chance to put the Nerazzurri ahead when Sneijder pounced on a misplaced pass and played him into the right channel and an ideal shooting position. His finish was high and wide. He came closer in the 82nd minute but Roma’s last-ditch defending and a strong hand from Bogdan Lobont kept the score at 0-0.
In stoppage time, Roma earned their first win and dished out Inter’s first defeat of the season. Daniele De Rossi’s wonderful cross was met by a flying Mirko Vucinic and the substitute’s header hit the back of the net to secure three points for Claudio Ranieri’s side.
Tags: Inter Milan, Roma, Serie A