ROME – The challenge at the Stadio Olimpico – the first of two over a four-day period between the teams – ended as a 1-1 draw.
It began as an uphill battle for the Nerazzurri’s defence as the chances fell to the Giallorossi. On 22 minutes Roma took the lead thanks to a spot kick from Totti for a penalty that was unjustly awarded when Bradley looked to make contact with a sliding Ranocchia. Roma continued to pose a threat while Inter sought to fight back. On 37 minutes Livaja’s volley rattled the post after his elegant control. The Nerazzurri came back to life and in the one minute of injury time bagged the equaliser: Guarin shot, recovered his rebound in the box and then slipped the ball to Palacio to side-foot into the net.
At the start of the second half Osvaldo wasted a golden opportunity when his poor touch gave the ball to Handanovic, who then made a miraculous save to deny Totti. The Nerazzurri goalkeeper kept the door locked when Piris came knocking moments later. Both teams were pursuing the goal worth the three points, and Handanovic turned away a wicked shot from Lamela in the 84th minute. The match ended 1-1, leaving Inter with 39 points in the standings.
Roma 1-1 Inter (HT: 1-1)
Scorers: Totti 22 (pen), Palacio 46.
Roma: 13 Goicoechea; 23 Piris, 3 Marquinhos, 5 Castan, 42 Balzaretti; 48 Florenzi (Perrotta 68), 16 De Rossi (Tachtsidis 46), 4 Bradley; 8 Lamela, 9 Osvaldo, 10 Totti (Destro 81).
Unused subs: 24 Stekelenburg, 1 Lobont, 7 Marquinho, 11 Taddei, 15 Pjanic, 27 Dodô, 29 Burdisso.
Coach: Zdenek Zeman.
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 23 Ranocchia, 26 Chivu, 40 Juan Jesus; 55 Nagatomo (Obi 57), 4 Zanetti, 21 Gargano (Mudingayi 84), 31 Pereira; 14 Guarin; 8 Palacio, 88 Livaja (Rocchi 73).
Unused subs: 27 Belec, 77 Di Gennaro, 6 Silvestre, 17 Mariga, 19 Cambiasso, 24 Benassi, 41 Duncan, 42 Jonathan, 82 Bessa.
Coach: Andrea Stramaccioni.
Referee: Daniele Orsato (Schio).
Booked: Lamela 23, Ranocchia 21, Osvaldo 42, De Rossi 44, Pereira 50, Chivu 63, Juan Jesus 76, Handanovic 78, Rocchi 90.
Added time: 1 + 3 minutes.
