Roma 2-1 Inter Milan: Match report, reaction and key statistics

Edin Dzeko got the Giallorossi off to the perfect start in the clash between two of Italy’s heavy hitters with his fourth-minute goal, drawing first blood in what would quickly become a frenetic, end-to-end attacking encounter.

Inter eventually equalized midway through the second half thanks to Ever Banega’s close-range finish – but within minutes Roma were back ahead, as Manolas met Alessandro Florenzi’s free-kick as a subsequent deflection off the attending defender took it past Samir Handanovic.

Luciano Spalletti’s side preserved their advantage this time, seeing out the game for a win that puts them third in the table after seven games.

It proved to be a thrilling contest at the Stadio Olimpico, with an especially breathless first half that saw plenty of chances at either end. Dzeko scored after just five minutes – turning home Bruno Peres’ low cross after good work from Mohamed Salah – but that was only the start of the drama.

Both sides had plenty of chances – Ever Banega smashed a 25-yard drive against the post, before Salah tested Handanovic twice with one-on-one scoring opportunities – but a second goal proved maddeningly elusive.

The visitors perhaps spent more time on the ball but it was Spalletti’s side who had the greater attacking threat, and this continued into the second half. Yet it was Inter who would eventually get the all-important equaliser: Banega perhaps fractionally offside as he received Mauro Icardi’s flick before turning inside De Rossi and sliding home.

Roma could have been discouraged by that blow – instead they responded almost immediately. A free-kick wide on the right (won by Peres) offered Florenzi the chance to curl one into the box, and his delivery was met by a stooping Manolas right around the penalty spot.

The header might have been on target anyway, but an almost immediate deflection off his marker ensured Handanovic had no chance of stopping it as the Olimpico celebrated wildly.

The Inter goalkeeper – who was impressive all evening – had one last great intervention to make, clawing away Dzeko’s header that would have clinched things three minutes from time.

That gave Inter a final chance to push forward in search of a second equaliser – but the hosts held firm to clinch a valuable win and go into the international break with renewed confidence.

Team selection

Coach Spalletti sprung a few surprises of some note with his team selection, more from a tactical perspective than a personnel one. The big decision involved Alessandro Florenzi, whom he decided to push into midfield.

That then saw Bruno Peres shift across to his natural right-back position, with Juan Jesus coming in at left-back just as he did against Astra Giurgiu.

Upfront, Edin Dzeko led the line with Diego Perotti and Mohamed Salah working off him.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

5’ – GOAL! Roma lead! Salah finds Peres inside the box, and the full-back crosses to Dzeko for a straightforward finish! 1-0 Roma!

6’ – Dzeko’s cross for Salah nearly finds his man, but not quite. Roma pouring forward.

8’ – Post! Manolas gives the ball away and Banega runs clear and smashes a 25-yarder against the upright!

10’ – Dzeko releases Salah on the break, and the forward lays the ball off to Peres who passes his shot fractionally wide.

14’ – Perotti cuts in onto his right foor but smashes his shot well wide.

21’ – Great chance Salah! He runs behind the defence and latches onto Dzeko’s pass, but one on-one with Handanovic he hits the post!

21’ – Great save Handanovic! The goalkeeper denies Salah, and then from the long-range rebound blocks Florenzi’s rifled effort!

22’ – Icardi scuffs a shot at goal but Szczesny makes the stop with his legs!

25’ – Fazio heads over a free-kick from Florenzi's delivery.

28’ – Dzeko this time tests Handanovic, but it’s comfortable for the goalkeeper.

32’ – Great chance squandered by Candreva, who really should score but fires across goal and wide.

38’ – Perotti tries to find the far corner but doesn’t quite get his angles right.

41’ – Juan Jesus releases Florenzi inside the box, but he drags his shot wide of the near post.

42’ – Great save Szczesny! The keeper flies to his right to claw away Candreva’s volley.

43’ – How did that not go in?! Szczesny is rooted to the spot as Miranda meets the inswinging cross, but the defender can’t get it inside the far post!

43’ – Brilliant work from Dzeko opens up a shooting opportunity – but Handanovic makes the save.

46’ – Szczesny saves from Perisic’s shot on the turn.

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See more images in our match gallery.

SECOND HALF

53’ – Perotti cuts inside once again and forces another good stop from Handanovic.

54’ – Szczesny tips a Perisic effort wide of the post.

57’ – Banega shoots wide on the counter.

59’ – Strootman heads over as Roma counter, Salah’s cross proving just too high for him at the far post.

60’ – Salah curls well wide from the edge of the box – it took a deflection on the way. From the corner Manolas glances wide.

68’ – Substitute Gnoukouri receives the ball inside the box but he skies his shot horribly. Should have made more of the chance.

72’ – Goal. Inter equalize. Icardi finds Banega and the midfielder cuts inside before beating Szczesny at his near post. 1-1.

76’ – GOAL! Roma lead again! Florenzi’s inswiging free-kick finds Manolas, and a slight deflection on the Greek’s header is enough to fool Handanovic! 2-1!

87’ – What a save! Handanovic makes an unbelievable stop to deny Dzeko from Florenzi’s free-kick!

Key match statistics

See more match statistics in our match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

“It's a huge win for everyone who works at the club and the fans. Now we can look forward. We've dropped too many points on the road and a team like Roma can't be doing that."

- Kevin Strootman

“It's a great win and it gets us back on track ... this win gives us the chance to work on things at length and with the time we have we'll be able to look at everything in more detail.”

- Luciano Spalletti

What's next?

The domestic season takes a backseat for the next week, as World Cup qualifies return around the globe.

The Giallorossi resume Serie A action with another huge contest, as they visit Napoli on Saturday 15 October.

ROMA 2-1 INTER MILAN

Goalscorers: Dzeko (4'), Manolas (76'); Banega (72')

Roma: Szczesny; Peres, Manolas, Fazio, Jesus; Florenzi (Nainggolan), De Rossi, Strootman; Salah (El Shaarawy), Dzeko, Perotti (Paredes).

Inter Milan: Handanovic; Ansaldi (Nagatomo), Miranda, Murillo, Santon; Joao Mario (Gnoukouri), Medel, Banega; Candreva (Jovetic), Icardi, Perisic.