Roma 2-2 Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s visit to the Stadio Olimpico to face Roma was expected to be an intense affair, and that was exactly the case as the two Serie A giants played out a see-saw stalemate.
Luciano Spalletti’s Inter led twice after scoring on both sides of the interval. However, Roma battled back with two second-half goals to deny their visitors a chance to go no.2 in the table—at least for 24 hours.
Eusebio Di Francesco has the brilliant Cengiz Under to thank for bringing them back into the game, as well as a timely handball that ensured the Romans got a share of the spoils.
Highlights of the game
Inter Milan almost had the win…ALMOST.
The Milan side saw both Keita Balde and Mauro Icardi find the back of the net, with the former even taking the Serie A 2018 highlights with his picture-perfect finish in the first half. Nonetheless, Under pulled one back for the hosts just moments after the restart before Aleksandar Kolarov made no mistake from the spot following a Marcelo Brozovic handball.
Spalletti’s charges dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead on 37 minutes when Danilo D’Ambrosio brilliantly teed up Balde from point-blank range.
Joao Mario sent an outlet pass to D’Ambrosio from the right flank, and the 30-year-old defender crossed the ball to a streaking Balde who met the ball in the air to open the scoring.
The Nerazzurri held on until halftime and seemed to be headed to their second straight Serie A win. However, Under delivered a massive goal six minutes after the restart to resuscitate Roma’s fading hopes.
The 21-year-old midfielder received a through ball from Bryan Cristante from outside the box, and when he saw enough space, he fired right there and then to equalise. Under’s rocket from 25 yards stunned Milan keeper Samir Handanovic who was left paralysed with the thunderbolt strike.
Sure enough, given that they were in control, Inter Milan needed only 15 minutes to retake the lead. Icardi headed home from a Brozovic corner kick, and it appeared to be game over for the home team and game won for the visiting outfit.
Things got a little strange on Roma’s corner on 74 minutes, but in a good way as it gave the Giallorossi a much-needed break. Inter’s Milan Skriniar looked like he had cleared the ball away from danger, but video review showed that Brozovic made contact with his elbow.
Through the help of VAR, match officials confirmed it was a handball and pointed to the spot. Kolarov stepped up and converted the ensuing penalty for their second leveller and the game’s last goal.
Inter tried to recover and get the job done, but it didn’t help them that Spalletti was sent to the stands late on for dissent.
Key statistics
The Serie A 2018 odds at SBOBET favoured Inter to win. After all, they were coming off a win against Frosinone while the home team were fresh from a defeat against 16th-placed Udinese.
Nevertheless, Milan were pretty wasteful in the game despite having 61 percent of the possession. They had seven on-target shots (four inside the box) but managed only two goals.
Goalkeeping made the difference for Roma in this encounter. The team made five crucial saves to deny Inter a brief climb to the second spot, while Inter only had three.
The victory allowed Roma to avoid a second straight league defeat and to remain in contention for the Champions League places in the Italian top flight. They have now drawn three of their last five Serie A matches, though.
Meanwhile, Inter remain third with 29 points. The stalemate, however, marks the second time that they failed to get all three points in 10 league games—the other one when they lost to Atalanta 4-1.
What’s next?
Next up is the Derby d’Italia at Juventus Stadium this weekend. While Inter have a lot to learn from their recent setback, Juve continue to dominate the league and are already 11 points ahead of their rivals.
The Old Lady of Turin recently thrashed Fiorentina to the tune of three goals to nothing, putting them well in position to reign victorious when they head home. Besides, they are now on a four-game winning streak in all competitions.
On the other hand, Roma have a trip to Sardegna Arena to face Cagliari who are winless in their past three outings. The Giallorossi will be brimming with confidence in the fight, knowing for a fact that the Sardinians haven’t defeated them in their last eight meetings.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
