Chaos in Milan’s Course: Inter’s Rome Test Hinges on Lautaro’s Fitness
8 October 2025
Martinez’s Fitness Dilemma
Inter Milan are bracing for a tough away trip to Roma after the international break, in what could be one of the hardest fixtures of the season given Roma's strength and the capital club's sharp early form.
The match, set for Saturday, October 18 at the Olimpico, carries significant weight for the Nerazzurri as the title race heats up in Serie A.
Roma’s Rise Under Gasperini
Roma, a side on the rise under Gian Piero Gasperini, have played six games so far, with five wins and a single defeat, earning 15 points and sitting level with Napoli at the top on points but behind on goal difference.
They started with consecutive 1-0 wins over Bologna and Pisa, then a shock loss to Torino. However, they steadied with a 1-0 derby win against Lazio, a 2-0 win vs Verona, and a 2-1 win vs Fiorentina. This form makes Inter's visit a real test.
Inter’s European Form vs Domestic Form
In Europe, Inter started the season strongly in the Champions League, beating Ajax 2-0 away and then Slavia Prague 3-0, with Martinez scoring twice and Dumfries contributing. They have five goals and no goals conceded so far.
In Serie A, they endured surprising defeats to Udinese 2-1 and Juventus 4-3, but have taken 12 points from the remaining four games. They beat Torino 5-0, Sassuolo 2-1, Cagliari 2-0 and Cremonese 4-1, sitting fourth with 12 points from six matches, three behind leaders Napoli and Roma.
Stats show a contrast between domestic league form and European competition; the Nerazzurri's defense remains strong in Europe, while their attacking output in the league has at times lagged behind expectations.
Open Questions and Outlook
Inter vs Roma is a genuine test of who can sustain a title bid amid a congested schedule. Lautaro's fitness after a long travel, Roma's momentum, and Inter's balance between European competition and league duties will shape the result.
In short, this is more than a regular fixture; it's a real test of the teams' capacity to stay in the title chase. The result could redefine the top of Serie A and either bolster Roma’s grip or push Inter back on track.
Punchline time: If this game were a stand-up show, the referee would be the opening act and the substitutions the plot twists Inter and Roma never saw coming. And remember, in Serie A the grass has opinions—sometimes it will cheer for Inter, sometimes it will boo the ball away. Either way, we’re in for a rollercoaster of a night.
