Roma-Inter 2-2 at the Olimpico for the fifth round of Serie A

THE GOALS

At the 79th minute, Roma-INTER 2-2. Goal by Lautaro Martinez, a brace for him today as well. A miraculous save by Svilar from a Thuram header, the ball stays in the area but Akanji fails to get to it, play continues, another cross into the box, Bisseck touches it to Lautaro Martinez who volleys and beats Svilar.

At the 46th minute (second half), Roma-INTER 2-1! Goal by Lautaro Martínez. Inter on the counter, Thuram looks up from the left and plays Lautaro Martinez in the middle, the Argentine with a first-time delicate touch slots it past Svilar.

At the 47th minute, ROMA-Inter 2-0! Goal by Kone. Roma double their lead again through Kone, cross from the right by Dybala, Mancini inadvertently touches it setting up Kone who, alone in front of Martinez, beats him by shooting under the crossbar.

At the 6th minute, ROMA-Inter 1-0! Goal by Kone. On their very first attack Roma take the lead, Inter lose the ball in possession, Dybala floats a soft ball into the box, Molina heads it off for Kone who shoots first time and beats Martinez.

Emotion and a long round of applause, as his image was displayed on the big screens in tribute to one of Italian football's iconic figures. Before the match, a minute's silence was held for Sandro Mazzola, a legendary figure for the Milanese club and the national team, who passed away at the age of 83. The Nerazzurri took to the pitch wearing black armbands to honour their club legend.

THE EVE OF THE MATCH

"Dangerous enthusiasm? As far as I'm concerned, enthusiasm is a positive energy. It's clear that when things don't go well there's a risk of becoming too downhearted. But we mustn't think about that, we must only think about Inter: matches like this are great ones to play." This was what Gian Piero Gasperini said at his press conference on the eve of the clash against the Nerazzurri. As for the gap with the Italian champions, "I believe," clarified Roma's manager, "that they are the benchmark team, they are doing extraordinary things in Italy and in Europe. That's why competing with them is an ambition shared by everyone. They are superior in certain areas, not just compared to us, but to everyone. The numbers speak for themselves: right now they are the strongest. We need to focus on ourselves, we are trying to break in and continue to remain in a top position." "There is satisfaction in reaching this fixture with our current standing in the table," Gasperini added. "It's a highly anticipated match, but it's only the beginning of the season." Finally, on how to prepare for a game like tomorrow's, he concluded: "Mentally, this match prepares itself. We need the composure to focus on the pitch, to understand how to counter this team and prove that we are competitive."

Ten days of 'rest', training and concentration, with no matches: Lautaro Martinez is ready for Roma. After watching the game against Udinese from the bench, the Nerazzurri captain will now return regularly to the starting lineup alongside Thuram to lead the team in the title-race test at the Olimpico. In their last meeting against the Giallorossi, the Argentine needed less than a minute to score. And never more than now, for Inter, would it be important to find the back of the net early. In their last three matches, against Napoli, Real Madrid and Udinese, the approach has not been the best. The Nerazzurri have had to come from behind after conceding, immediately starting uphill. To the defensive solidity, which is essential after so many lapses in concentration, greater effectiveness in attack must be added, especially in the opening stages. Also because the clash against Roma conceals plenty of pitfalls. On paper it decides nothing — three points are at stake in the fifth matchday — but it will provide an important snapshot of the championship narrative. On one side, Inter who must confirm their status as title favourites, on the other, Roma who are staking their claim as the main challengers. A highly delicate big match that comes right before the lengthy league break.

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