Inter Milan 1-1 AS Roma
Roma had a golden opportunity to reclaim control of the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot in Serie A. They knew from earlier Serie A 2019 results that Milan had drawn with Parma, which meant that a win against Inter at the San Siro would see them overtake the Rossoneri.
However, the Giallorossi failed to capitalise and gain valuable ground as they could only draw with Inter after Ivan Perisic cancelled out Stephan El Shaarawy’s superb opener.
While the title has already been decided, SBOBET Serie A fans still have this exciting race for the Champions League between Milan, Roma, Torino, Atalanta, and Lazio to look forward to in the final five matchdays of the season.
Highlights of the game
Roma came out of the gate on the front foot. Edin Dzeko had the first real chance of the game in the third minute as he collected a ball from Aleksandar Kolarov near the centre of the penalty area. However, he got his attempt to shoot with the outside of his right foot all wrong, which allowed Samir Handanovic to save comfortably.
Dzeko and Kolarov once again combined for another decent chance for Roma minutes later. Dzeko set up Kolarov for one of his trademark long-range strikes at the edge of the penalty area, but the full-back’s effort flew just wide.
Inter finally hit back with the first big chance of their own in the eighth minute. Lautaro Martinez, who was given the start over Mauro Icardi by Luciano Spalletti, rose high to get on the end of a Matteo Politano cross. His header forced a brilliant save from Roma keeper Antonio Mirante, who got low and pushed the ball off the post before it could cross the line.
Ivan Perisic then had the chance to line up a shot on the rebound, but his attempt was blocked and flew harmlessly away from goal.
Roma finally broke the deadlock in the 14th minute through Stephan El Shaarawy. After collecting a pass on the left wing, El Shaarawy cut inside and unleashed a magnificent strike that gave Handanovic no chance.
Inter’s best chance to equalise in the first half fell to Politano, who launched a hopeful strike from outside the box following a corner. Mirante couldn’t handle the shot, though, and spilt it inside the six-yard box. Matias Vecino was the first one to the rebound, but Federico Fazio’s last-ditch challenge helped force the Uruguayan midfielder’s shot to sail high.
Just three minutes after the restart, Inter created another chance from a corner as Martinez got on the end of another Politano cross. This time, though, Mirante caught the header and held on with no problem.
But minutes later, Roma came close to doubling their advantage. Nicolo Zaniolo, who came on as a second-half substitute, laid the ball off to a charging Lorenzo Pellegrini, who disappointingly sliced his shot wide.
Roma would be left to rue that miss as Perisic equalised right after the hour mark. After some patient passing from Inter, Danilo D’Ambrosio delivered a pinpoint cross to the Croatian, who made no mistake with his diving header.
Perisic had another opportunity to give Inter the lead just four minutes later. However, he was unable to get his free kick on target.
The hosts had one last chance to steal the win through Martinez, but the Argentine’s acrobatic shot went well over.
Key statistics
Inter and Roma have now drawn each of their last three meetings in Serie A. Moreover, Roma have gone undefeated in their last four visits to the San Siro against Inter (one win, three draws).
Inter will be disappointed they didn’t snap that winless run against Roma this time around. They dominated the match, grabbing 72 per cent of possession and outshooting the Giallorossi, 21-9. But despite that shot disparity, both clubs still ended up with five shots on target each.
What’s next?
Inter have another home match coming up as they host Juventus, who just clinched their eighth straight Scudetto, at the San Siro in the Derby D’Italia next weekend. The Nerazzurri will surely be eager to put a damper on their fierce rivals’ title celebrations.
As for Roma, they continue their hunt for Champions League football as they host mid-table Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico next week. The Serie A betting odds should favour them to collect all three points in that match.
And with Milan travelling to sixth-placed Torino, the Giallorossi will have another great shot to grab fourth spot.
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