3x3: Inter-Roma prediction, Serie A stars and expensive January transfers

The Roma Question: How important is it for Roma to return with a positive result against Inter and what do you expect the score to be?

Tony / @LaRomanBomber: “With expectations so low, I can see Roma pulling out a 2-1 victory. A win is a must because the pressure is already building on the team after the horrible December that they have had. A loss will just keep the media on full alert to create more drama and more disgruntled fans sharpening the pitchforks.”

Theoren / @GrazieTotti91: “The importance of returning on a high note cannot be understated. We're in a bad spot. It’s more than a rut I think, and another weak performance will only compound the problems. We're going to need a strong and convincing display against a motivated Inter side who are in a similar spot. We also need revenge from the first leg. Prediction: 2-0 for Roma.”

Luca / @LucaSperanzioso: “A poor run of form has set Roma back quite a bit and it’s now about making the Champions League. A win against Inter at the San Siro would be fantastic for the team’s confidence. Not only would they be able to put their previous results behind them for good, but also they would catch Inter who are Roma’s direct competition for the Champions League spots. My prediction is a 2-0 win for Roma, which solely comes from my heart and not my head.”

The Serie A Question: Not including Roma players, who will have the biggest impact on the second half of the Serie A campaign?

@LaRomanBomber: “I would say Dybala. He has been quiet with all the drama surrounding him, but with a team like Juventus and their previous second halves, I think Dybala will be what they need to overtake Napoli.”

@GrazieTotti91: “I don’t think there’s a player that will impact the second half of the season in a dramatic fashion. January buys rarely do. I think the biggest factor going into the second half of the season will be maintaining a balance. We've seen it before where teams falter with injuries and exhaustion in the final stretch. I think managing that will be the deciding factor, especially for the teams in the top four.”

@LucaSperanzioso: “Lorenzo Insigne will be vital for Napoli as they push on for the title. Aside from his ability to show up in big game moments, he’s the hometown boy of Naples and the future Bandiera for them. How he handles the pressure of helping to deliver Napoli their first scudetto since the Maradona days will show what kind of a player he is. If Insigne continues the season in red hot form, then Napoli will have themselves a serious title push.”

The General Football Question: What do you think will be the most expensive transfer done this month?

@LaRomanBomber: “After that Philippe Coutinho transfer I think anything else will be looked at as a bargain. I think if Manchester City can pull off the Alexis Sanchez deal that will be a huge move in terms of impact for City and a bargain if the numbers are close, as well as a huge loss for Arsenal.”

@GrazieTotti91: “I don’t think any deal will top Coutinho, but who knows. If I had to bet on one team topping that transfer, it would have to be an English team doing something foolish to close the window with a bang.”

@LucaSperanzioso: “Coutinho will be the most expensive transfer done this month. I can’t see any other teams spending that much on one player this transfer window. On the other side of the coin I also can’t see a team letting go such a valuable player that would go for over 100 million euros in the January window.”