On Saturday evening, the Stadio Olimpico played host to a tightly contested Serie A clash between AS Roma and Inter Milan.
The match ended in a 0–1 victory for Inter, courtesy of a 6th-minute goal by Ange-Yoan Bonny, who capitalized on Roma’s high defensive line to score the only goal of the game.
Lineups and Absentees
AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal. The back three featured Zeki Çelik on the right, Gianluca Mancini centrally, and Evan Ndicka on the left. Kostas Tsimikas and Wesley operated as wing-backs, providing width and support in both phases. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Kouadio Koné anchored the center, while Matías Soulé and Tommaso Baldanzi played just behind striker Artem Dovbyk, who led the line.
Roma were without Edoardo Bove, sidelined due to a heart condition, and Leon Bailey, missing with a muscle injury—both absences limiting Roma’s attacking depth.
Inter Milan, under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, lined up in a 3-5-2. Yann Sommer started in goal, protected by a defensive trio of Manuel Akanji, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni. Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco provided width from wing-back positions. The midfield featured Davide Frattesi, Nicolò Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while Ange-Yoan Bonny partnered Lautaro Martínez up front. Inter were missing Marcus Thuram, out with a thigh injury, which gave Bonny the opportunity to shine.
Match Recap: A Game of Margins
The match began with high intensity, and it didn’t take long for Inter to make their mark. In the 6th minute, Ange-Yoan Bonny latched onto a through ball from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, timed his run perfectly behind Roma’s high defensive line, and slotted the ball past Mile Svilar with a composed finish. The early goal stunned Roma and gave Inter the confidence to sit deeper and absorb pressure.
Roma responded with urgency, dominating possession (57%) and pushing forward through Matías Soulé and Tommaso Baldanzi, who frequently drifted into central areas to overload Inter’s midfield. Their best chance of the first half came in the 32nd minute, when Artem Dovbyk met a cross from Tsimikas, but his header was parried away by Yann Sommer, who was in inspired form.
The second half saw Roma increase their intensity. Paulo Dybala, introduced at halftime, added flair and unpredictability. In the 58th minute, he curled a shot from the edge of the box that forced Sommer into a diving save. Roma had another golden opportunity in the 72nd minute, when Cristante struck the post after a scramble in the box.
Inter nearly sealed the game in the 84th minute, when Mkhitaryan hit the woodwork following a swift counterattack. Despite Roma’s 15 shots to Inter’s 12, and a late flurry of corners, the visitors held firm. Sommer’s five saves and Inter’s disciplined back line ensured the Nerazzurri left Rome with all three points.
Bonny’s Breakthrough Moment
The 21-year-old Ange-Yoan Bonny continues to impress. His goal was a textbook example of timing and composure, exploiting Roma’s aggressive defensive line. With Thuram sidelined, Bonny has stepped up, scoring in back-to-back matches and proving he’s more than just a backup option.
Bonny’s movement and link-up play with Lautaro Martínez gave Inter a dynamic edge in attack. His early goal not only secured the win but also highlighted Chivu’s tactical flexibility.
Sommer’s Wall in Goal
Inter’s veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer was arguably the man of the match. His reflexes and positioning were crucial in preserving the lead, especially during Roma’s second-half surge.
Sommer’s leadership from the back helped organize a defense that absorbed pressure without cracking. With five saves and a clean sheet, he reminded fans why experience matters in tight games.
Roma’s Missed Opportunity
Despite controlling the tempo and creating chances, Roma lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Dybala and Soulé showed flashes of brilliance, but the finishing touch was missing.
Coach Gasperini will be frustrated by the inability to convert dominance into goals. The absence of Leon Bailey and Bove may have limited Roma’s attacking options, but the team still had enough quality to expect more.
Chivu’s Tactical Maturity
Inter’s coach Cristian Chivu deserves credit for his game management. After the early goal, Inter shifted to a more compact shape, absorbing pressure and hitting Roma on the counter.
Chivu’s decision to start Bonny and later introduce Piotr Zielinski and Carlos Augusto added fresh legs and tactical balance. His calm demeanor and adaptability are beginning to define Inter’s identity this season.
Inter Take Top Spot, Roma Regroup
With this win, Inter move to first place in Serie A, level on 15 points with Roma and Napoli but ahead on goal difference. Roma, meanwhile, drop to third and will need to bounce back quickly to stay in the title race.
This result could be pivotal in shaping the early title race. Inter’s resilience and tactical discipline may be the blueprint for their Scudetto ambitions, while Roma must rediscover their attacking rhythm to stay competitive, and they must do it quickly, with games coming thick and fast at this stage of the season.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Inter Milan: Face Napoli next weekend in another top-of-the-table clash.
- AS Roma: Travel to face Atalanta, a tricky opponent with momentum.
Both teams, however, have European engagements first, with Roma hosting Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, and Inter traveling to Belgium to face Union Saint-Gilloise.
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