Roma v Inter: Three opposition players to watch

Luciano Spalletti will have almost a full squad at his disposal, while Frank de Boer is set to welcome expensive summer signing Joao Mario and in-demand midfielder Marcelo Brozovic back into the fold.

Nevertheless, the tactician has quickly molded his squad to his liking so far in domestic football, with our columnist pinpointing these three players as particularly dangerous under the Dutchman…

Mauro Icardi

Responsible for 75% of Inter's goals so far this term, the young Argentine has been nothing short of phenomenal these past two seasons.

Controversy tends to follow him wherever he goes but, on the field, Icardi shows maturity and concentration well beyond his 23 years of age. He has relished the responsibility after being promoted to captain, scoring six goals this season, while he has now accumulated 38 over the past two years alone.

What makes the striker most lethal is his anticipation of the play and killer instinct in front of goal. Now averaging over four shots per game, the Giallorossi defence know they need to restrict his shooting opportunities and will have to be at the top of their play in order to keep No. 9 off the scoresheet yet again.

Ever Banega

Still adjusting to Italian football, the midfielder switched over from Sevilla this past summer to join two more of his countrymen at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Although he has found himself unable to hold onto the ball for as long has was accustomed to in Spain, it is only a matter of time before Banega starts climbing towards his career record of five goals. In fact, he has already matched last season's assists, with two.

Victorious in the Europa League last term with Sevilla, the Argentine international is the pivot of his national team’s midfield, often playing directly behind Lionel Messi. His almost-frantic pace and clean passing under tight pressure makes him extremely difficult to press, and a threat not only in possession but on the counter-attack as well.

While it would be folly to focus on one player, Spalletti will be aware that restricting Banega’s influence could have a big impact on Inter’s attacking threat.

Ivan Perisic

The Croatian winger was one of his country's standout performers in their bid for the European Championship in the summer, and has shown signs that he is continuing his form into the new campaign.

Accounting for the remaining 25% of Inter's goals so far (with two), Perisic has also made one assist. His drive towards goal is unlike what we have seen earlier in his career, and he is now averaging a hefty four shots per game while offering an entirely different angle of attack to Icardi.

Typically deployed on the left side, the Split-born player is strong in every dimension - cutting into his opponent's box, involving himself in the counter-attack, a danger on set-pieces, and good at linking up with his teammates. One of de Boer’s key players, Perisic has truly taken the team under his wing so far this term.