Only Napoli conceded less goals than Roma in the Italian top-flight last season, and Gian Piero Gasperini has so far been able to maintain that defensive resilience, as his Roma side sit 2nd in the standings. 

However, it is impossible to ignore just how strong Inter Milan have looked this season. They rank top in Serie A for total xGF, while they have also conceded the lowest xGA tally. After the Cristian Chivu era started with just one win from their first three games, Inter Milan won five successive matches in all competitions leading up to the October international break, keeping three clean sheets in that run, with 13 goals scored.

The Nerazzurri took three points from the Stadio Olimpico on their last visit back in October last year, and will hope for the same on Saturday evening to maintain their excellent form.

Travelling to Rome can be a tough away day for visiting sides, but it is worth noting that the Giallorossi were dealt defeat on their last home outing. After scoring in the sixth minute through Hakon Amar Haraldsson, Lille were able to hold on to a 1-0 win despite an onslaught from the hosts, securing three points in the Europa League. The Romans were also beaten by Torino on home turf earlier in the season, which should give Inter Milan some confidence going into this clash. 

The Nerazzurri are averaging 19.5 shots per game this term in all competitions, with 30% of those hitting the target. Chivu’s men are physically dominant, they press strongly and are excellent at sustaining possession. To perfectly exemplify that, Inter Milan have notched at least 16 shots in every league game this term, including 18 attempts against Juventus in Turin, so it could be a busy night for Roma keeper Mile Svilar.

Summer signing Ange-Yoan Bonny made his first start against Cremonese in place of the injured Marcus Thuram, and he marked it with a goal and three assists as his side cruised to a 4-1 victory. The 21-year-old is likely to retain his spot upfront after putting in a Player of the Match performance. Bonny provided the assist for his strike partner after just six minutes in that game - he can be quite a selfless player, with a good eye for a pass, which is a massive bonus for Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentinian will have fond memories of this matchup against Roma, having scored the winner on his last visit to the Stadio Olimpico. The Inter captain comes into this clash in fine form, with four goals in his last three starts, and will once again be the Nerazzurri’s main attacking threat in Marcus Thuram’s absence.

On the opposite side, Matias Soule has been the primary attacking option for Roma this season, and he already has three goals and two assists to his name - he has contributed to five of Roma’s seven goals overall in the league. The Argentinian international is averaging 3.47 shots per 90, and has landed a shot on target in each of his last four starts for Roma. 

Operating as an inside forward, the 22-year-old has been a real livewire, and has a tendency to cut inside from the right-wing onto his stronger left foot to try his luck from around the edge of the box - in fact, 12 of his 18 Serie A shots this term have come from outside the box.

Although he did miss from the penalty spot against Lille last time out in the Europa League, Soule is already a key figure in this Roma side, and will take responsibility for free kicks.