Inter’s Rome Test: Two-Week Trials Before Napoli Showdown
17 October 2025
Inter's two-week test before Napoli
Inter faces two pivotal tests in the next two weeks as they chase the Serie A title, visiting Roma on Saturday in the seventh round, a week before the Napoli showdown.
After a difficult start that included defeats to Udinese and Juventus in rounds two and three, Inter rallied under Romanian coach Cristian Kevo, winning five straight across all competitions.
They sit fourth on 12 points, three behind Roma and Napoli, after wins over Sassuolo, Cagliari and Cremonese.
Meanwhile, Juventus stay in touch on goal difference as they prepare for a clash with Como.
In the squad, French striker Marcus Thuram misses the Roma match with a knee tendon injury sustained during the win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League last month.
With Thuram sidelined, Kevo has found a breakthrough in 21-year-old Boni, who starred in the Cremonese win, scoring once and providing three assists in his first start.
Inter keep focusing on Thuram's return as they gear up for the Napoli game, which could decide their place among the title contenders.
Captain Lautaro Martinez has just returned from scoring twice for Argentina in a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico, bringing his season tally to eight for club and country.
Inter confirmed the appointment of Cristian Kevo, a former defender, to take charge after Simone Inzaghi left for Al Hilal, despite Kevo's limited coaching experience beyond the end of last season with Parma.
Kevo is expected to prove himself in two big tests against Gasperini and Antonio Conte next week.
Roma face their first real test of the season, hosting Inter, Europe and Italy's runners-up.
Roma's 26-year-old Serbian goalkeeper Milan Svilar delivered several crucial saves to keep the hosts competitive.
After six matches, Roma have five wins and a draw, conceding only two goals, placing them second on 15 points along with Napoli.
Fans hope the Romans can push for big things under their new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, eyeing a bid for Champions League qualification or the title.
Napoli head to Torino in a game that looks straightforward for the leaders.
Napoli sit on top and hope to extend their advantage while awaiting the Rome-Inter result.
Milan sit third with 13 points, two behind the leaders, and prepare to face Fiorentina on Sunday, a clash in which they hope to reclaim form.
Fiorentina's Moise Kean absence is noted, while Milan miss wingers Pulisic and Rabiot, with a potential month-long layoff for a calf problem.
Rafael Leao, 26, is back from injury and expected to be fit for his first start of the season after featuring as a sub in Milan's wins over Napoli and Juventus.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri hopes to restore the side to its best as they push for a top finish.
Inter's title bid hinges on more than luck, but the drama is guaranteed to be entertaining.
Punchline 1: Inter's title hopes are so tight, even their calendar needs a tape measure. Punchline 2: Roma's defense is like a Wi‑Fi password—abracadabra to crack, yet somehow keeps the signal strong.
