Inter's inability to start matches sharply is becoming the defining concern of their early season. For the fourth consecutive game, Cristian Chivu's side fell behind before mounting a comeback, this time drawing 2-2 at Roma's Olimpico in the fifth-round title clash between the only two sides who had won all their opening fixtures. Lautaro Martínez scored twice to rescue a point, but the pattern of gifting opponents a two-goal lead is a problem the club cannot keep papering over with individual brilliance.

The result leaves Inter second in Serie A on 13 points, level with Roma and Lazio after five games. The competitive context is tight, and dropping points from winning positions, or failing to avoid early deficits, could prove costly as the title race develops.

Chivu is also managing a stretched squad. Hakan Çalhanoğlu missed the Roma game through injury and his return timeline remains uncertain, while John Stones was forced off on his first start for the club against Udinese. Oumar Solet and Scott McTominay are also absent, with the latter joined by Piotrowski after both were diagnosed with a mild benign arrhythmia.

On a sombre note, Inter legend Sandro Mazzola passed away at 83, and both Roma and Inter wore black armbands at the Olimpico in his honour. The club now turns its attention to a home Serie A fixture against Parma on October 10, after the international break.