View from the Opposition: Inter look for return after summer investment

Inter and Roma are chasing Juventus and Napoli in the early race at the top of the Serie A table, and they take on each other this weekend.

Having both dropped points in their last league outing, the two sides meet at the Stadio Olimpico with plenty still to prove.

To find out more about the upcoming match froma Nerazzurri perspective, we spoke to Nima Tavallaey, founder of Sempre Inter, about the squad and their season to date.

Inter currently find themselves third in the table just in front of Roma, with three wins, two draws and a loss so far this season. How has the season started?

"The season started in anything but a positive manner, following the awful performance and loss against Chievo in the opening day of the Serie A. There was some improvement against Palermo and Pescara but the loss to Hapoel Be'er Sheva created a very difficult situation going into the match against Juventus.

"However, after a fantastic performance against Juventus followed up by a win and a draw, it's difficult to say anything other than that Inter have started the season really well."

There was upheaval at Inter at the start of the season as Frank de Boer came in at the last minute to replace Roberto Mancini. Why did this change take place?

"Already in June it was clear that Inter's new ownership as well as the club's management had a completely different idea compared to Mancini with regards to the strategy on the transfer market: Mancini wanted experienced players who knew how to win whilst Inter wanted to build on youth together with experienced players that didn't disturb the financial situation at the club.

"In the end, the situation was unbearable given that Mancini was visibly unhappy and seemed to have lost the dressing room - which was demonstrated by the humiliating loss in the friendly fixture against Tottenham."

What was the reaction of Inter fans at the time of the managerial change, and how do they feel about it now?

"The sentiment that united all Inter-fans was mainly irritation, in that no-one understood why the club waited until two weeks before the season started to make a change. Other than that there were two camps: one that wanted to keep Mancini and could not understand the De Boer appointment given that he's never coached in Italy, while the other were fed up with Mancini and wanted a revolution and welcomed De Boer.

"As things stand right now, following the win against Juventus and the current third spot, I haven't come across a single Inter fan that is unhappy. Especially given how well Inter are playing and how well the new signings have integrated into the team."

What was the transfer window like for Inter?

"It was quite possibly the best transfer window Inter have had since the summer of 2009. No-one can criticize a club that signs Banega on a free transfer, as well as Gabigol [Brazilian forward Gabriel Barbosa], Antonio Candreva, Cristian Ansaldi and Joao Mario. The only criticism against the club is that the full-back situation has still not been adequately addressed."

Which players could make an impact against Roma?

"As a former Lazio player Antonio Candreva would love to score against Roma. Other than him, Roma need to watch out for Icardi who is in fantastic form as well as Ivan Perisic. Unfortunately, it looks like Joao Mario could miss the fixture and it's doubtful that Jeison Murillo will play either."

What sort of tactical setup could we see from Inter in this match?

"A similar setup to how Inter played against Juventus, where Inter pressure Roma all over the pitch as one unit as well as look to punish any mistakes Roma make. Not to mention hurt Roma on the counter-attack, especially behind the space that Bruno Peres leaves behind him when going forward."

How do Inter fans view Roma? And what have they made of the Roma's transfer window?

"Aside from the fact that the Giallorossi are a classic Serie A antagonist, Roma is viewed as one of the main rivals for a place in the Champions League, together with Napoli and Fiorentina.

"When Roma sold Pjanic the general consensus was that the team was severely weakened, however now that it looks that Strootman is slowly coming back to his best Roma's midfield as well as the attacking trio up front commands respect.

"The fact that Roma managed to sign Bruno Peres, a player most Inter-fans have dreamed about for a long time, impressed many Inter fans, myself included."

If you could add one player from Roma to Inter’s squad, who would it be?

"Without a doubt Bruno Peres. He is exactly what Inter have been missing since Maicon left the club."

What is your score prediction for the game?

"With the risk of jinxing it, I honestly think Inter will win thanks to a Mauro Icardi brace as well as an Antonio Candreva goal.

"Roma will take the lead via Dzeko, then Inter will turn it around - so 1-3."

Follow @james_gooderson and @NimaTavRood on Twitter.