Inter’s Strong Start and Injury Woes
FC Internazionale Milano, the defending Serie A champions and Coppa Italia winners in 2025-26, have commenced their league campaign with an impressive run, securing 12 points from their first four matches. This perfect start sees them sitting second in the Serie A table. Their recent form includes a 5-3 home victory against Udinese and a 3-2 win over SSC Napoli, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid CF resulted in a 1-2 loss. The club’s continuity from last season is cited as a key factor in their strong performance [1].
Despite their positive league form, Inter is grappling with significant injury concerns ahead of their clash with Roma. Defender John Stones is expected to be out for approximately one month due to a thigh muscle strain, an injury sustained during the recent win over Udinese. He is anticipated to return after the international break, potentially for the match against Parma on October 10 [2]. Midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu will also miss the upcoming match against Roma due to a muscle strain in his right thigh [2]. In goal, Josep Martinez has become Inter’s starting goalkeeper this season and has earned a call-up to the Spain national team for the Nations League games [3]. Manuel Akanji has also been called up to the Switzerland national team squad [4].
The Extended International Break
The football calendar faces a significant adjustment with an extended international break. The Premier League, for instance, will pause after the weekend of September 19-20 and will not resume until October 10-11. This three-week hiatus, which incorporates the traditional October break, aims to improve player welfare and reduce the burden of cross-continental travel for international fixtures [5]. For clubs like Inter, this means navigating a crucial league fixture against Roma before their squad disperses for national team duties, and then managing player fitness and reintegration upon their return. The timing of the injuries to Stones and Çalhanoğlu is particularly challenging, as their recovery periods will overlap with this extended break, potentially impacting their availability for subsequent club matches.
Roma as a Benchmark and Squad Updates Elsewhere
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Inter Milan as the benchmark team in Serie A, acknowledging their strong form despite Roma’s own impressive run of four consecutive league victories. Gasperini has confirmed that his entire Roma squad is available for the upcoming fixture against Inter [6]. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated contest between two of the league’s in-form teams. Meanwhile, in other football news, Rangers are on a strong run, aiming for six straight wins after a challenging start to their season [7]. Wrexham, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to West Ham United in their last match and will be without Broadhead due to injury [8]. Viljami Sinisalo replaced Sam Johnstone in goal for a recent match against Ferencvaros [7].
What it means
Inter Milan’s position at second in Serie A with 12 points from four wins highlights their dominant start to the season, boasting an impressive goal difference of +7 (13 goals scored, 6 conceded). Their recent form shows four wins and one loss across all competitions, with the sole defeat coming in the Champions League. The upcoming fixture against Roma is crucial, with predict.game forecasting an Inter win (40.0% probability) and a predicted score of 2-3. This match, coming just before the extended international break, will test Inter’s depth and resilience, especially with key players sidelined. A victory would solidify their strong league position and provide momentum heading into the break, while a loss could allow rivals to close the gap.
Sources
- Football Italia: Italy found a workaround England’s shirt sponsors still need football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Official: Inter confirm Stones injury as ex-Man City star faces weeks out football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Official: Spain’s Nations League squad includes Inter goalkeeper Martinez football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: 4 Serie A players called up to Switzerland squad including Inter and Milan stars football-italia.net ↩
- BBC Sport: Why will September international break last three weeks? bbc.co.uk ↩
- Football Italia: Gasperini: Inter the ‘benchmark team’ in Serie A, but Roma have ‘positive energy’ football-italia.net ↩
- Sky Sports: Will Celtic ease the pressure or Rangers narrow the gap? skysports.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Wrexham owners aim Spygate dig at Southampton bbc.co.uk ↩
