Three to Watch: Inter attack starting to hit their stride

Roma travel to the San Siro Stadium to face Inter Milan on Sunday evening.

With both sides racing to gain automatic Champions League qualification, Luciano Spalletti and Stefano Pioli will have their players ready for the test.

Pioli, one of the most experienced managers in the league, has revolutionized the club’s fortunes by leading them to eight successive wins at home. Although the Nerazzurri will be without Brazilian international Miranda, our columnist believes these three players could disrupt Roma’s night in Milan…

Mauro Icardi

One of the most prolific strikers in all of Europe, the Argentinian international’s form precedes his reputation. In the hunt to become the season’s Capocannoniere – repeating from the 2014-15 season – Icardi has scored 15 times in the league, bringing him to a total of 17 goals.

Having seen very little rest this season, he is the focal point of Inter’s attack – relied upon by all his teammates, with expectations especially heavy as he is also their captain. More than just a typical No. 9, Icardi has also created eight assists this term.

A merciless finisher who can score with any part of his body, the striker is most effective on the counter-attack or from inside the keeper’s box – a spot where he almost always manages to find space.

Frozen out at the Olimpico, Icardi will be looking for redemption following his side’s loss in the first meeting.

Ivan Perisic

The Croatian international has been a lynchpin for Pioli’s left-attacking-flank. Second only to Icardi in goals – with seven – Perisic has shown that he is one of the strongest players for his position.

With relentless endurance, a talent for dribbling and a competent passer, he has very few limitations to his game. Before making his way to Milan, Perisic was a product of the Hajduk Split Academy. From there, he moved to Club Brugge, where he became the Belgian Pro League top goal scorer and Belgian Footballer of the Year for 2011 – before spending four years in the Bundesliga at Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg.

At 28 years-old, the winger is reaching the prime of his career, and will be expected to exert a formidable performance on Sunday night.

Joao Mario

After grabbing headlines this summer by triumphing in the European Championship with Portugal, a transfer from Sporting Clube de Portugal has been an almost immediate success for the player.

An attacking midfielder who uses his large frame and speed to his advantage, he has scored three goals this season and created four assists. His passing has been accurate, achieving an 84% pass completion rate – while having made 47 scoring chances in the process.

Having said that, the fact Joao Mario has picked up five yellow cards this season, and also relinquishes on average two possessions per match alludes to a slight lack of concentration. He may be a European champion, but perhaps he still has a few areas to work on.