Inter Milan vs AS Roma - Roma a 'vital game' for Inter Milan

Posted Saturday, February 25, 2017 by PA

The visit of high-flying Roma to San Siro will provide Inter Milan with a "vital" test on their mission to infiltrate Serie A's leading pack, according to head coach Stefano Pioli.

Inter looked set for another season of disappointment after starting badly under Frank de Boer, who made way for Pioli in November.

The former Lazio boss has since steered the Nerazzurri into fourth place, where they are six points behind Napoli and another two shy of Sunday's adversaries Roma.

Pioli told inter.it: "Everyone knows that it's a vital game. We've done everything in our power to reach this game with our opponents not out of reach.

"We want to try and force the issue and try to beat a great Roma side.

"We're preparing for the game in the same way we have done for all the others.

"We want to play to the best of our potential - we know that if we stick together as a team for all 90 minutes and show focus, concentration and intensity, we can win it.

"It's a match between two sides in good form. Our stats are quite similar, so I think we're evenly matched despite what the table suggests.

"We know the potential pitfalls, but we're ready for anything."

Pioli will be without suspended centre-back Miranda, but Inter are otherwise at full strength.

"You can't overlook how important Miranda is, but I have plenty of valid alternatives to make sure our defence is strong," added the Inter manager.

"Both sides are going to find it hard to stop the other from being dangerous - the important thing is that we implement the right tactics to prevent that and then keep believing right to the end."

Roma, meanwhile, resume their mission to try and catch leaders Juventus without the services of Alessandro Florenzi, who suffered a fresh anterior cruciate ligament injury last week.

There was better news for the capital club on Friday, as they were granted planning permission to start building a new stadium in the Tor di Valle suburb.

President James Pallotta told stadiodellaroma.com: "It has been a long, long journey - it almost feels like how it must have been for our Roman ancestors on their many campaigns.

"But the next step on the journey is in front of us. First and foremost, I want to thank our fans - they are the best in the world."

If Roma are to secure an overdue victory in this fixture, they will need Edin Dzeko to keep firing.

The Bosnian has scored 11 goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions and will reach 20 in the league this term with a strike in Milan on Sunday.