The two sides played out a stalemate in the Italian capital, with the result not suiting either of the two clubs.
An entertaining affair ensued at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night as Champions League qualification contenders AS Roma and Inter Milan drew 1-1, with Ivan Perišic and Radja Nainggolan scoring for either side.
Despite efforts on goal from both teams, it took until early in the second half for the scoring to be opened as Perišic latched onto Marcelo Brozovic’s incisive pass and had his effort slide past Wojciech Szczesny in goal for the Romans.
With Luciano Spalletti’s Roma side fashioning more chances on goal late in the game, it was Belgian midfielder Nainggolan who equalised just minutes before stoppage time as he slid onto Edin Dzeko’s scuffed shot to finally best the brilliant Samir Handanovic.
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The result sees Roma’s eight match winning run come to an end, with Spalletti’s men still five points ahead of fourth-place Inter, however Fiorentina take on relegation-threatened Frosinone on Sunday and have the chance to move within just three points of the Capital club.
Perišic becoming a key man for Inter
Having scored four in as many games in all competitions, the Croatian is finally beginning to stamp his authority on Serie A during what, to date, has been an indifferent campaign in a Nerazzurri shirt.
Prior to this match Perišic has been showing his best form for the club since his arrival, scoring crucial goals against Juventus in the Coppa Italia, Palermo and Bologna. Now, in captain Mauro Icardi’s absence, the former VfL Wolfsburg man looks set to become an increasingly vital component of Roberto Mancini’s attacking quartet.
Similar performances and goalscoring feats from the 27-year-old are essential during the run-in to the end of the Serie A season, with the final Champions League berth on offer, though still Roma’s to lose.
Profligacy in front of goal may cost Roma during run-in for third
The 90 minutes that played out at the Stadio Olimpico saw the home side enjoy more of the chances and play against their Milanese opponents. Despite this, though, they were only able to find a way past Handanovic on one occasion, and late in the game as well.
It is true the Slovenian goalkeeper was in exceptional form for his side, however Spalletti’s men could have put more away with better finishing. Stephan El Shaarawy, Mohamed Salah and Dzeko all had prime opportunities to hit the back of the net, though could not capitalise.
In a match the Romans were expected to win, dropped points against fellow contenders for third place may place increased pressure on the side during the final games of the campaign.
Inter prove they can still fight for third place
After a harsh downward spiral in form, Inter now look to have stabilised and find themselves in the hunt for an unlikely Champions League qualification berth.
Improved performances dating back to the 20th of February against Sampdoria display Inter’s regained consistency on the pitch, whilst the side’s attack is showing signs of clicking and functioning as a unit. The performance against AS Roma provided an example of this, as the Nerazzurri manufactured several opportunities in which to hit the back of the net against a top Serie A club.
In a match Mancini’s side was expected to come out of with nothing, Inter showed they are capable of matching those above them and are beginning to look capable of breaking back into the top three if Roma and Fiorentina drop points in the coming rounds.
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