Ciao Ciao, Friends! Matchday 7 of Serie A is upon us, and we’ve got a massive clash to look forward to! Welcome to the Serie A Matchday 7 Preview, India’s home for Italian football fans—stories, debates, and pure calcio passion.
This weekend, one of the fixtures to watch out for in Serie A will be the fixture of AS Roma vs Inter Milan at the Olimpico. Both sides are looking to build momentum and strengthen their position in the table. Roma will aim to make home advantage count, while Inter will look to bolster their run of form since the last 3 matchweeks in Serie A. It promises to be an intriguing matchup between two of Italy’s top sides.
Battle Of The Challengers: A New-Look Roma Hosts a Formidable Inter
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in one of Serie A’s most thrilling rivalries. Over the years, the Roma vs Inter fixture has always delivered. The fixture delivered everything, from fiery showdowns between players and fans to tactical masterclasses by the managers.
Although Roma haven’t been in the talks of the title race in recent seasons, they’ve consistently proven to be one of the hardest sides to beat in the Serie A. Inter, on the other hand, has been a regular title contender, setting high standards for consistency and performances throughout the years.
But this time, things feel a bit different. Roma are back in the mix with a new look side under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. There’s a sense around the Olimpico that they might just have something special brewing under their new boss, as this might be the perfect time to face off Inter, as they are slowly settling into the season under Chivu. The fixture being right after the International break means fatigue would be there, and anyone can capitalize on it. Saying this, Inter shouldn’t be taken lightly as they are proven to be a team that always poses immense threat and look forward to attack ruthlessly under Chivu who is trying to bolster a more attacking energy into this team different from the defensive Inter of past although his tactics are build on the principles of old Inter side which creates a balanced and a good mix of discipline and aggression making it more threatening than ever.
The Serie A Chess Match: A Tactical Breakdown of Roma vs. Inter
This match promises to be more than a battle for goals; it’s a clash of philosophies, a test of adaptability, and a fight for tactical identity. Here’s how the duel on the touchline could unfold.
By the Numbers
This matchup is between Serie A’s best defense (Roma) against its best attack (Inter).
Both teams have evolved stylistically. Roma looks more balanced and compact, while Inter, with pressing aggression and offensive risk-taking, looks more aggressive. It’s a fascinating clash of contrasts. (Numbers as of now)
AS Roma: Gasperini’s Early Impact and His Likely Approach Into The Game
Roma’s transformation this season has been one of Serie A’s most intriguing storylines. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the Giallorossi are still a work in progress, but there’s no denying that the sense of structure and belief is slowly returning to the side.
Yes, there were big changes before the season, and yes, Gasperini hasn’t had access to every resource he would have ideally wanted. But despite that, his trademark adaptability has already started to shine through.
Gasperini brings something Roma have been missing for years: Direction and Identity to the team. His recent success in Europe (23-24 Europa League) and reputation for maximizing players’ potential are clear in how Roma will play now. For instance, take Artem Dovbyk, a player who looked like an outcast not long ago, who is now an integral part of Roma’s attack, contributing regularly. And, Dybala, whenever being fit, remains the heartbeat of Roma’s creativity, while Manu Koné has added drive and dynamism in midfield.
Sure, Roma still have their issues, particularly in defensive transitions, but they’ve started winning those gritty 1–0 games that build the winning mentality and instill the grit to fight.
While Napoli are still title favourites, with Juventus inconsistent and Inter in transition, Roma’s rise feels timely. Gasperini might not deliver the Scudetto this year, but his project looks built for the long haul — and the rest of Serie A should start taking notice of this project.
Inter Milan: The Change in The Nerazzurri Approach
Now, let’s talk about Inter. Even being in transition, the Nerazzurri remain a nightmare opponent.
Post-Inzaghi, Christian Chivu finds himself tasked with maintaining Inter’s identity while adding his own tactical flavour of aggression. Though Chiu is inexperienced at this level, his early impact has been encouraging as he maintains the team’s core intact, preserving the belief that the winning mentality is still there.
Statistically, Inter continue to impress. In fact, only twice in the last 60 years have they scored 22 goals in their first eight games in all competitions — once under Christian Chivu this season (2025/26), and before under Luigi Simoni in 1997/98.
A key part of Inter’s attacking rhythm comes from Lautaro Martínez’s dual role upfront by pressing from the front while dropping into pockets of space, constantly unsettling defenders and opening lanes for runners around him. While Barella’s midfield energy, Calhanoglu’s control are helping to form a solid midfield, Dimarco’s resurgence has added balance on the left. Chivu has tried blending Inzaghi’s solid defensive base with a bolder attacking approach, high press, and an aim to win possession up the pitch.
However, this shift has made Inter slightly more open, which is something Roma could exploit on transitions, especially down the left flank, where Dumfries often pushes high.
Predicted Line-ups & Team News
AS Roma (3-4-2-1)
Predicted XI:
Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Wesley, Koné, Cristante, Tsimikas; Soulé, Dybala; Dovbyk
Injury / Team Updates:
- Leon Bailey and Dybala are back. Dybala is expected to start, given the importance of this fixture.
- Bailey is yet to make his debut and will likely be eased in.
- Angeliño remains out, so Tsimikas should start despite his defensive vulnerabilities.
- Rensch could also feature, given his Serie A experience.
Key Focus:
Roma’s right-side combination of Soulé and Wesley has been dynamic, while Koné’s ball-carrying and work rate will be vital in transitions.
Inter Milan (3-5-2)
Predicted XI:
Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Lautaro, Bonny
Injury / Team Updates:
- Marcus Thuram is out and targeting a return against Napoli.
- Di Gennaro is missing out due to an earlier injury, while Darmian will be missing out after injuries during the international break.
Key Note:
Even without Thuram, Inter’s attacking shape remains dangerous with Lautaro’s tendency to drop deep to test opponents’ back line, while Dumfries’ advanced positioning could leave space for Roma to counter.
Predictions
After an international break, we expect some rust and fatigue. Neither side will want to drop points, especially with Napoli and AC Milan setting the pace for the title.
Predictions:
- Ajay: Roma 2–1 Inter
- Param: 1–1 Draw
Final Thoughts
Roma’s newfound belief meets Inter’s proven pedigree — and that’s exactly what makes this tie so compelling.
So, what do you think? Can Gasperini’s Roma take a big step toward title contention, or will Inter remind everyone why they’re still the gold standard?
Let us know your predictions below — for us, this one’s too close to call!
