Last season's Serie A runners-up Roma have been struggling both in the league and in the Champions League since the start of the season, and things went from bad to worse in midweek when they were defeated by newly promoted Brescia. It was a controversial game in which refereeing decisions were scrutinised after the match and words were exchanged.
Nevertheless, the result of that match cannot be changed and the 2-1 defeat means that Roma are second from bottom with just two points from four matches. The Giallorossi are a massive eight points off the pace and things need to improve from right now.
However, coach Claudio Ranieri is confident of starting afresh against the champions on Saturday evening and says, "I can say I have the Roma which has done so well over the past few years. It's a difficult moment for us, and Inter are doing well.
"It's not more difficult now because we showed a positive response against Brescia. We know it's hard, but the difficulties just won't disappear. But the determination we showed in Brescia offers hope."
Gaining Momentum With Ease
Inter commenced the Serie A season on a slow note but since then the Nerazzurri have picked up momentum. Diego Milito and Samuel Eto'o scored a brace each against Bari at the San Siro in midweek in what was a superb performance.
The 4-0 win against Bari was Rafael Benitez's side third successive win in the league and one that took them to the top of the table in Serie A. Inter currently possess 10 points from four matches and are one point clear of second-placed Chievo.
Inter forward Eto'o, who has been in excellent form for the Nerazzurri so far this season, is looking forward to Saturday evening's clash and says, "Saturday's game will be a difficult one as Roma will go out for their first win of the campaign. It's nice to play at the Olimpico. Roma will have, as always, the support of their fans.''
TEAM NEWS
Roma
Rodrigo Taddei and Julio Sergio are out with injuries and Philippe Mexes is suspended. Left-back John Arne Riise has been passed fit to play and it is likely that he will start against Inter. Daniele De Rossi is on course to recover for Saturday's big match.
Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Lobont, Cassetti, N. Burdisso, Juan, Riise; Perrotta, Pizarro, De Rossi; Menez; Borriello, Totti
Inter
Thiago Motta, Javier Zanetti, Walter Samuel and Marco Materazzi are injured and will miss the trip to Rome.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Cordoba, Chivu; Stankovic, Cambiasso; Pandev, Sneijder, Eto'o; Milito
Prediction
Roma are under pressure and need to win but Inter are the in-form side. It promises to be an interesting clash and a loss for the Nerazzurri doesn't look very likely. The maximum Roma can do is eke out a draw.
Roma 1-2 Inter Milan 
