ROME - A draw that feels like a missed opportunity for AS Roma, held to a 2-2 draw by Inter in a top-of-the-table clash. The Giallorossi, who remain top of Serie A with 13 points after 5 games, saw a two-goal lead built in the first half slip away.
The match exploded early with Manu Koné finding the net in the 6th minute, heading home a cross from Nahuel Molina. The doubling of the lead came in the 37th minute, again from Koné, following a move started by a Paulo Dybala cross and a touch from Gianluca Mancini, confirmed after a quick VAR check. Inter, however, responded with their sharpest weapon: Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine striker halved the deficit just a minute after the restart, following a one-two with Marcus Thuram, and then scored the definitive 2-2 equaliser in the 79th minute, pouncing on a Thuram header saved by Mile Svilar.
The Martínez Factor
Martínez's brace confirms an impressive statistic: the Inter forward is unbeaten in his last 17 matches against teams coached by Gian Piero Gasperini. A recurring nightmare for the Roma boss, who joked about it after the game. "He always scores against me. I told him to stop it! He does it to everyone, though." Gasperini stated.
The Roma Response
Despite the draw, Roma's performance showed character and quality, confirming the good form that sees the team unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions (three wins and two draws). The point earned keeps the Giallorossi at the summit of Serie A, with a two-point cushion over their chasers. A fact that gives confidence to the group, as underlined by the manager himself. "We need to keep our focus on our own business." Gasperini added.
The next league commitment is the away trip to Como, currently eighth in the table, scheduled for October 11th. To prepare for that challenge, the team can rely on an in-form attack, with Donyell Malen the season's top scorer with 6 goals in 5 appearances.
The match also highlighted some defensive frailties, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet for the third consecutive game. A detail to work on, but one that does not overshadow the broader picture of a solid and competitive side. The arrival of Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille, with his recovery speed, is proving a valuable addition for a defence that often plays a high line. Attention now turns to the international break, before resuming the title chase.
This story first appeared at The Guardian Football
The Giallorossi club has confirmed that midfielder Manu Koné suffered a left ankle sprain during the match against Inter. The club stated that Koné will undergo further assessments in the coming days to determine his recovery timeline. The injury occurred in the second half of the 2-2 draw. Roma, top of the table with 13 points, will face Como on October 11th.
