Five things we learned from Roma's win over Inter

Our columnist looks at five key points from the contest...

Szczesny's commanding display

Wojciech Szczesny continues to prove why he has the faith of Luciano Spalletti. From the outset, the Pole showcased an excellent command of his area, while his efficient shot-stopping ability and his lightning reflexes helped to keep Inter at bay.

Although he couldn't keep a clean sheet, it was once again a very competent 90 minutes from the former Arsenal 'keeper.

The barely believable save he made with his outstretched right hand to parry away Antonio Candreva's treacherous volley was certainly the highlight of his performance.

Peres' complete showing

After filling in at left-back in recent weeks, Bruno Peres returned to his favoured right-back station for Sunday's game. And the Brazilian thrived throughout, in a game where he made an immense contribution on both sides of the ball.

Stopping Ivan Perisic is never an easy task, but Peres' positional discipline, ability to read the play and capacity to make quick decisions on when to hold his ground or apply a challenge enabled him to grab the upper-hand in his duel with the Croatian.

In attack, he formed a dynamic duo with Mohamed Salah, as the pair constantly tormented Inter's left-back, Davide Santon. The best example of their potent dovetailing arrived when they linked up tidily just prior to Peres delivering a pinpoint assist for Edin Dzeko's opener.

Dzeko dominates

Bagging his fifth goal in seven Serie A matches saw Dzeko keep up his promising start to the season, but it was his all-round contribution that particularly caught the eye against Inter.

As the focal point of Roma's attack, the Bosnian held the ball up astutely, dominated in the air (winning eight aerial duels) and passed the ball with the utmost precision as he battered the Inter backline.

It was little wonder his manager was delighted with the big man when speaking after the match.

"I've been saying since the start of the season that we need a player like him," Spalletti said. "A striker with the build he's got offers you different options: besides playing our way forwards we can also try hitting it long into the box.

"Edin has great technical ability too and he's fast. Edin is a wonderful person and a magnificent footballer. And tonight we're all happy because we've beaten a great side."

Manolas's heroics

Aside from scoring Roma's all-important winner in the 76th minute, Kostas Manolas' imperious job on Inter's in-form forward, Mauro Icardi, was another key factor in Roma getting all three points.

Before the game the imposing Greek made it clear, "I'll do my job and stop Icardi" and, it must be said, he backed up his words emphatically by doing a sterling job of nullifying the lethal Argentine's impact.

Although Manolas was ably supported by Federico Fazio when necessary, the former Olimpiacos lynchpin marked and harried Icardi vigorously throughout, ensuring he rarely got an easy touch.

The fact Icardi didn't even get a shot on target, coupled with Manolas' five interceptions, nine clearances and one blocked shot, underlined his quality outing.

Florenzi shines in advanced role

Spalletti's decision to deploy Alessandro Florenzi in a central attacking midfield role worked out to be a very shrewd choice indeed. Florenzi's intelligent movement, which successfully created space for his fellow attackers by dragging his direct opponent, Gary Medel, out of position, combined with his tireless work rate and mobility saw him able to impact the contest keenly.

With Inter not expecting such a shift in tactics, Florenzi found spaces to exploit with frequency. He complimented Roma's others attackers nicely and acted as a great outlet for Roma to progress their attacks.

Providing a pinpoint assist for Manolas' winner served as a fitting reward for his strong overall performance.