Calcio Debate: Inter vs Roma - The Key Battles

Jose Mourinho vs Claudio Ranieri

One of the bitterest rivalries in the game – it is no secret that Mourinho and Ranieri absolutely hate each other. The resentment all stems back to 2004 when the Tinkerman was sacked as coach of Chelsea, with Roman Abramovich replacing him with the Special One. Since then there have been regular slagging matches in the press. The build-up in the media to this game has been a little more respectful – but make no mistake about it, both coaches will be desperate to win in order to get one over their rival.

Julio Cesar vs Julio Sergio

It is often said that a great goalkeeper can be worth up to 10 points a season, and this has certainly been true of Inter’s Julio Cesar over the past few years. The Brazilian is second only to Gianluigi Buffon in the world, and you can always count on him to get Inter out of jail. As for Roma, their goalkeeping situation has been a disaster recently. With No.1 Alexander Doni out, compatriot Julio Sergio will deputise and he is unlikely to provide too much protection.

Maicon vs John Arne Riise

One of the keys to stopping Inter is stopping brilliant Brazilian wingback Maicon. The former Monaco man is undoubtedly the best right back in the world and when he is bombarding down his flank at top speed it can be devastating for the opposition. Roma man Riise is a favourite among the Giallorossi faithful, and he can be pretty useful himself offensively due to his hammer of a left foot. An interesting match-up.

Samuel Eto’o vs Philippe Mexes

Summer signing Samuel Eto’o has settled straight into life at Inter, with five goals in Serie A. The power and pace of the Cameroonian is crucial for the Nerazzurri, but on Sunday night he will be up against one of Europe’s most talented defenders in Mexes. The Frenchman has had a difficult season so far, and was even dropped by Ranieri a few weeks ago. He will be keen to make a point at San Siro.

Esteban Cambiasso vs Daniele De Rossi

When it comes to favourite opposition, Inter must be top of the list for Roma deputy captain De Rossi. The World Cup winner rarely fails to perform against the Nerazzurri, and always seems to raise his game. Over the last few seasons he has often dominated opposite number Cambiasso, and this has usually led to the Giallorossi giving their northern rivals a run for their money. This battle in the middle-of-the-park should be very intriguing.

Jeremy Menez vs Lucio

Francesco Totti will be hugely missed by Roma, who will be hoping for either Mirko Vucinic or Menez to step up to the plate. Frenchman Menez has bags of talent and possesses every attribute in order to soon become a world beater – pace, strength, skill, creativity, class. But he is also somewhat inconsistent. On a good day, he can humiliate any defender – including Inter’s Lucio. On a bad day, he can be completely anonymous. On Sunday night Roma will be praying for the former, and Inter will be hoping for the latter.

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com