Italian Serie A
2010-03-27 - A.S Roma vs Inter Milan
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Match of the week in Serie A as the top two goes head to head in the battle for the Scudetto race. Inter who have won every title sin ce 2006, will now have A.S Roma as their strongest challengers now and the gap is very close between them at the top as well with very little to separate them.
Should A.S Roma wins here then they will be a point behind Inter Milan and at the same time allow A.C Milan back into the title chase after their slip-up at Parma midweek. Many have said that Roma would be Inter's closest challengers as they are more consistent that Milan.
Claudio Ranieri has stated that they have been unbeaten in 20 rounds ahead of this clash so regardless of the result tonight it will be a positive campaign for them. The tactician also insisted that they have no pressure heading into this match as they are not defending the Scudetto and will just give it their all and have fun.
In ter have showed that the pressure has been getting to them in recent weeks as Mario Balotelli has been frozen out following an alleged row with Jose Mourinho. He is again expected to be left in the stands in favour of Samuel Eto’o, Goran Pandev and the returning Wesley Sneijder. Inter welcomes back Dejan Stankovic after he had served his ban.
It remains to be seen if Cristian Chivu will be risked here as he was rushed back in midweek in the 3-0 win over Livorno. The former Roma defender is playing with the aid of a Petr Cech-style helmet while he continues to recover from a serious head injury.
In midweek they silence their critics when they beat Livorno 3-0. However, the result could have been different had Livorno converted their chances and scored in the first half. Prior to that win they had only won once in six games and are now four poin ts clear at the top of the standings. Milan had the chance to go top but squandered their chances.
Roma also had their lean spells in recent times. Prior to their recent two wins, they had draws against the likes of Napoli, Milan and Livorno. But the wins over Udinese and Bologna had bring them to overtake Milan in second spot. Francesco Totti is expected to be rested as he is not fully recovered yet.
In his absence Luca Toni has fitted in well. Mirko Vucinic and a reborn Jeremy Menez has done well along the process as well. The Frenchman has been playing well in recent weeks after a poor display at the Stadio Olimpico. He finally appears to have settled into Serie A, though he faces competition from seniors such as Simone Perrotta and Rodrigo Taddei for a starting berth.
Juan returns from suspension to help out in defence, but it is Philippe Mexes who could make way in favour of Nicolas Andre Burdisso.
Last season Inter won this tie by 4-0. Roma have not beaten Inter here in Serie A since a 3-2 result on March 4 2001, the time they won the Scudetto.
One thing is for sure, expect a lot of goals here. as the last four meetings here in all competition ended with a grand total of 20 goals. Last season a 4-0 triumph in Week 7 effectively ruled the Giallorossi out before the Scudetto race got going, but things have changed now.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Draw 2-2
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for total goals OVER 2.5 here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take A.S Roma on level ball here.
