Key Battles: Three contests that could decide Inter-Roma

Roma and Inter Milan will go head-to-head in a thrilling clash on Friday – with kick-off at the San Siro at 20:45 local time.

The recent battles between these two sides in this fixture suggest another game that could be too close to call: both sides have won three of the last 12 meetings at the San Siro, with the other six ending in draws.

Each of the last three games between the sides - at the Olimpico or the Meazza - have also ended in stalemate.

The last game between the two sides at San Siro ended in a 1-1 draw in April of this year. Both the goal scorers Ivan Perišić and Stephan El Shaarawy, and the managers, Claudio Ranieri and Luciano Spalletti, have since moved on to new pastures.

With that in mind, here are three key battles to watch out for…

Edin Dzeko v Samir Handanovic

The first key battle is in-from striker Edin Dzeko and Inter shot-stopper Samir Handanovic. With six goals domestically and two assists, Dzeko will look to inflict misery on Antonio Conte’s side, who currently sit at the summit of Serie A.

Having netted in the 3-0 victory over Brescia most recently, and produced an assist in Roma’s 3-1 victory over Hellas Verona last Sunday, he aims to help continue Roma’s push for UEFA Champions League football next season, by netting and helping the Giallorossi to victory on Friday.

Dzeko averages 2.9 shots per game, whilst he also has a 70.2% pass success rate this campaign, suggesting he will be a key figure for Roma in the match - it's no surprise his recovery from a bout of flu was a hot topic in the capital this week.

Standing in the in the way of the Bosnia international is Inter goalkeeper Handanovic. The Slovenia international, who was nominated for the inaugural Lev Yashin award, the Ballon d'Or of goalkeepers, at the ceremony in Paris most recently, will have the tough task of trying to stop Dzeko.

Handanovic has kept only five clean sheets in 14 Serie A appearances so far, and in the 28 times he has faced Roma, shipped 48 goals - so he will have to be on his game, and have a change of fortune, should he keep the likes of Dzeko at bay.

Chris Smalling v Romelu Lukaku

Chris Smalling will be tasked with trying to keep out former Manchester United teammate Romelu Lukaku on Friday. It will be the first meeting since both swapped Old Trafford for Serie A. Lukaku has hit the ground running since his move to Italy and Smalling is continuing to shine at the back for Giallorossi becoming an important figure under the guidance of Paolo Fonseca.

Since overcoming injury, Smalling has played every minute of 11 Serie A matches this season and has contributed successfully to the run of form which sees Roma currently in fourth-place. Not only is the England international good with the ball (90.5% pass success rate), he averages 4.6 aerial duels per game, so therefore can nullify the threat of Lukaku from set pieces and also prevent the likes of Lautaro Martínez from running in behind.

Smalling also has two goals to his name so far, but nullifying his former team mate will be his main priority.

Lukaku has appeared in all 14 of Inter’s fixtures in Serie A to date, starting 13 of them. While he is yet to provide an assist in those appearances, the striker has bagged 10 goals at an average of a goal every 116.8 minutes.

The Belgium international averages 1.1 chances created per 90 minutes, and has a passing accuracy of 69.1%. With his 10 goals so far, he been an influential figure under Conte, becoming the second top scorer in the league presently.

However, with Smalling at the top of his game, Lukaku may have to wait if he is to make it 11 goals domestically for this campaign.

Cengiz Under v Milan Skriniar

Cengiz Under will also hope to provide part of Roma’s attacking threat on Friday night. The Turkish international, who remained sidelined through September and October due to a muscle injury, could start the game at the San Siro.

Cengiz has one goal so far this season, having netted in the opening day in the 3-3 draw against Genoa, so is overdue a goal.

The 22-year-old is looking to hit form and what better place to do so than against the league leaders. He netted against Inter last season on Matchday 14 in the 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico and is will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to come up against Conte’s side once again.

Skriniar will have his hands full if he is to try and stop the likes of Dzeko and Cengiz - or even Henrikh Mkhitaryan, should the Armenian get the nod after his goalscoring cameo last weekend.

The Slovakia international, who is regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe, may have a 93.8% pass success rate, but with the Roma attackers applying pressure in the final third of the pitch, this could force the 24-year-old into mistakes. That said, Škrinar may be a colossus at the back for Inter, but will be wary of the threat carried by an exuberant Roma who are in fine form.