Inter vs Roma Betting Odds – Inter injuries give Roma edge in Serie A showdown
Inter Milan were the online betting favorites coming into the Serie A season, and they’re expected to be in first place. But no one counted on a resurgent Roma, who have fired their way up the table to second place as they welcome Inter to town in the weekend’s big match, and Inter has some injury problems, particularly at the front, and Roma will pounce to make it an interesting stretch run.
Inter vs Roma Betting Odds: Roma +179; Inter +187; Draw +228
What: Soccer betting
When: Saturday, March 27, 1:00 PM ET
Where:Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Key Stat: Roma hasn’t lost at home since October 25, 2009
The Storyline: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds
Inter holds a four-point lead over Roma in the Serie A table after a 3-0 win at home over Livorno in midweek action, but all is not good in Milan as there are some injuries and off-pitch problems to worry manager Jose Mourinho. Roma rolled to a 2-0 win at Bologna on Wednesday, and they’re still doing it without injured captain Francesco Totti, who is a doubt for this match. Roma battled to a 1-1 draw in Milan back in November, and a win would blow the title race wide open.
Offensive Matchups: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds
Samuel E’to has scored three goals in his last three matches, including the winner at Chelsea in the Champions League, followed by a pair against Livorno on Wednesday. E’to was said to miss Barcelona, but he’s playing through it right now, and when he’s on, he’s arguably the most clinical striker in Europe. However, the key is the health of Wesley Sneijder, who was unbelievable at Chelsea. Sneijder’s eye for a good pass can keep a defense on their heels. Diego Milito is also limping, and then there’s Marco Balotelli, who was seen on an Italian television show wearing an AC Milan shirt, which can’t make Mourinho happy.
Roma has scored nine goals in their last three matches, and they’re getting goals from everywhere. Mirko Vucinic had a hat trick two matches ago, while Simone Perotta notched a goal and two assists three games ago. Even John Arne Riise is scoring from the back. But you have to wonder how good Roma would be with Totti in the side.
Free sports picks: Even
Defensive Matchups: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds
Inter’s first-choice central pair appears to be Lucio and Walter Samuel, but the defense was also boosted by the return of Christian Chivu from a head injury. Sportsbook players know that Mourinho’s teams, if nothing else, are going to be solid at the back, and this Inter is no exception, although you have to worry about a Samuel slip-up every now and again.
Roma is fourth in Serie A in goals allowed, but the defense can be inconsistent. In their last four games, Roma has held AC Milan and Bologna scoreless, but then they’ll give up five goals to Livorno and Udinese. Juan is back from suspension, along with Philippe Mexes.
Sport picks: Inter
Notable Injuries: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds
Sniejder (adductor) is a major worry for Inter, while Milito (thigh) was included in the team that faced Livorno, but he didn’t play.
Totti (knee) hasn’t played a full match since early February, a span of 10 games, but Roma has six wins and three draws during that time, so they’re used to not having him now.
Free sport pick: Roma
Totals: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds
Three of the last five between these two have gone over the posted total, and both have the ability to score a lot of goals. Their defenses are solid, but they can also give up goals in bunches. By Italian standards, this will be an open game.
Pick: Over 2.5 (Even)
Betting Prediction: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds
Inter has won four and drawn four of their last 10 against Roma, and in their last trip to the Eternal City, Inter romped to a 4-0 win last season in a dominating performance, and you can bet that Roma remembers that. E’to is in a rich vein of form, but with injuries around him, it’ll be interesting to see how he performs against a Roma defense that will be fired up. Roma has been the hottest team in Italy over the second half of the season, and they have a ton of momentum on their side. They also have an edge in Europe: Roma lost to Panathinaikos in the Europa League and are now fresh, while Inter still have to worry about next week’s Champions League matchup with CSKA Moscow. Look for Roma to snatch three points this weekend.
Free picks: Roma +179
Get Todd’s sports betting picks each week in the Free pick at BetOnline.
