“Inter has no weak points”. This is how Ivan Juric made his debut yesterday in a press conference, offering a pragmatic reading of this evening’s match in just 8 minutes.
At the Olimpico it will be the 183rd match between Roma and Inter, two teams with completely different profiles but united by the same desire to win and bring home the result.
There’s no point in going around it. The Croatian coach is aware of the technical-tactical limitations of his squad: the lack of concreteness underneath leads to a lack of ideas in crucial moments. But he certainly can’t hold back because he knows that this is his opportunity, the moment to relaunch the squad (and make the most of the enthusiasm that could be created in the event of victory) and himself.
To arrive prepared for the match, the coach will certainly have studied Inter’s previous matches and will have drawn up plans to stem Simone Inzaghi’s advance.
It’s no secret that the Nerazzurri start the action with a rotation of the ball between the three defenders, then looking for a midfielder like Çalhanoğlu or spreading the game on the outside, in particular on Dimarco, fundamental in crosses and offensive actions.
A pattern seen and repeated several times: after the initial possession, the midfielders position themselves between the lines or on the outside to advance. Lautaro moves back, while Thuram attacks the spaces. Inter looks for quick verticals or moves the game sideways with a choral action. In the defensive phase, he uses moderate pressure, but attacks immediately after the loss of possession, excelling in tackles in the final third of the pitch.
In conclusion, Juric knows, and is perfectly aware of what awaits him. The Nerazzurri are a well-established machine, strong in vertical attacks and deadly on the flanks, with players capable of making the difference at any moment. However, today Roma must not be intimidated: this is the opportunity to demonstrate their growth and put one of the most solid teams in the championship in difficulty. The final result will depend on the Giallorossi’s ability to capitalize on the few opportunities and contain the opponents’ incursions. It will be a challenge of tactics, resistance and strong nerves, with the hope of leaving the Olimpico with a different result than what the bookmakers expect.