Inter's title credentials took a hit at the Olimpico on Saturday, not because of the 2-2 draw with Roma, but because of how it happened. For the fourth consecutive match, Cristian Chivu's side found themselves two goals down before mounting a recovery, a pattern that is becoming impossible to ignore. Lautaro Martínez rescued a point with a second-half double, underlining his importance to the team, but the defensive fragility in the opening stages of matches remains a serious concern that Chivu must address.

The result leaves Inter level on 13 points with Roma and Lazio at the top of Serie A after five games, though the manner of their performances suggests the squad is not yet operating at full capacity. Hakan Çalhanoğlu missed the Roma match through injury and his absence in midfield was felt, with Piotr Zielinski stepping in as the deepest midfielder alongside Nicolò Barella and Curtis Jones. The injury list also includes Nicolo Zaniolo, Oumar Solet, and two players diagnosed with a mild benign arrhythmia, meaning Chivu has had limited options across the squad.

There is also uncertainty around Martínez ahead of the next league fixture against Parma on 10 October. The striker will join Argentina for their international break commitments, and his availability for that match is not guaranteed. Losing him, even temporarily, would significantly weaken Inter's attacking options at a time when the team needs consistency most.