Palacio strikes the crossbar! A speculative effort from the Argentine forward clips off the woodwork, though De Sanctis looked fairly confident of having his angles covered. Mancini continues to urge his side forward, attack seems to be the best form of defence at the moment.
90' +2
Awful pass from Shaqiri! The former Bayern man tries to stab a pass into Podolski, but it's far too heavy and the ball escapes its intended target. Roma don't have long to try and stage a dramatic comeback!
90' +1
M. De Sanctis gets yellow.
90'
There are four minutes of stoppage time.
89'
S. Doumbia enters the game and replaces D. De Rossi.
88'
M. Icardi has scored a goal for Inter Milan! Assist by Ł. Podolski.
GOOOOOOOOOOAL! ICARDI GIVES THE HOME SIDE A LATE LEAD! Inter lead 2-1! The Argentine forward holds his nerve to slide a finish straight through De Sanctis, with the former Sampdoria striker using good footwork to steal a yard of space from Manolas!
86'
D. De Rossi gets yellow.
Ł. Podolski enters the game and replaces A. Gnoukouri.
Awful refereeing! Palacio races down the left-hand side, with De Rossi coming across from a central area to slide in and win the ball! It's a perfect challenge from the Italy international, but the match official sprints over to brandish a yellow card.
84'
Terrible effort from Icardi! The Inter striker manages to shake off the challenges of Manolas and Mapou, but then can only lift a terrible shot over the crossbar from fairly close range. That was the chance and he knows it.
82'
There's a real ebb and flow to this game at the moment, with both teams taking it in turns to dominate for a short spell and probe for gaps. Keita lashes a powerful effort goalwards from 25 yards out, but it arrows straight at the goalkeeper, with the substitute appearing to hurt himself slightly in the process.
Minute
Description
80'
Only 10 minutes are left on the clock, with a point not really enough to affect things massively for either team in terms of the league table. Roma could really do with taking three points, given that their bad run of form could surrender local bragging rights to Lazio.
78'
J. Iturbe enters the game and replaces M. Pjanić.
X. Shaqiri enters the game and replaces F. Guarín.
Shaqiri is also introduced, with Mancini looking to shuffle his pack to affect the final 10 minutes or so of play. The Bayern loanee hasn't lived up to expectations in Serie A quite yet, but now is a big opportunity to prove his worth. Mapou cushions a risky header back to De Sanctis, despite heavy pressure from Icardi.
77'
A. Gnoukouri gets yellow.
76'
Ibarbo is continually causing problems, with Gnoukouri the latest man to fell the Colombian while he is in full flight. As the game becomes slightly stretched, yellow cards are becoming slightly more common. Iturbe is waiting in the wings to come into the fray.
74'
A. Ranocchia gets yellow.
This game is very delicately poised, with Roma looking to try and utilise their quick and powerful options up front. Gervinho gets in behind, but sees a cross blocked, before a Florenzi delivery proves easy for Handanovic to claim.
72'
Kovacic is brought into the fray in place of Brozovic, with the Croatian replacing his compatriot in midfield. Ranocchia tries to launch a long ball in behind for Palacio to chase, but the Italian's pass is far too heavy. Things have gotten slightly attritional of late.
71'
M. Kovačić enters the game and replaces M. Brozović.
70'
Ibarbo tries to break beyond Vidic, but the former Cagliari man bundles the veteran defender to the ground and concedes a free kick. Moments later, the powerful forward fouls Ranocchia, while attempting to harry the Italian in possession, and he doesn't appear to know his own strength.
68'
Good save from Handanovic! After plenty of deliberating and complaining from the hosts' players, Pjanic is allowed to take the aforementioned free kick! He sends a curling left-footed strike towards goal, but the Slovenian shot-stopper gets down well and pushes the ball away from danger. Nobody can capitalise on the rebound.
66'
Juan Jesus gets yellow.
Nainggolan is tripped on the edge of the area by Juan, with Roma having another chance to test Handanovic from a reasonable range.
65'
Inter may have been comfortable for long periods, but Roma have levelled the scoreline up in the same way that the hosts opened the scoring - from out of the blue. An early cross is looped into the penalty area, but De Sanctis is alive to the danger and clears, before Guarin is found overlapping moments later and slams an effort into the goalkeeper.
63'
R. Nainggolan has scored a goal for Roma! Assist by M. Pjanić.
GOOOOOOOOAL! NAINGGOLAN RESTORES PARITY IN MILANO! The Belgium international is found steaming in at the back post, before stepping into the box and lashing a first-time thunderbolt beyond Handanovic! Fantastic stuff from the Roma midfielder and the home fans have been stunned!
62'
Inter have less than half an hour to see out, with Roma looking likely to continue their awful form. Considering that Garcia's men were pushing towards the title before Christmas, to say that the wheels have fallen off would be an understatement. Handanovic has been a comfortable man this evening.
60'
Roma continue to turn the screw, with Ibarbo denied once again by Ranocchia, as the Italy international continues to have a solid game. The Giallorossi whip in a corner from the right, but Manolas sends a bouncing effort over the crossbar with a flicked header.
58'
Good interception from Juan! The Brazil international steps out well to prevent Florenzi overlapping down the right-hand side, as Inter continue to defend composedly. Moments later, Ranocchia is on hand to head a cross away from the awaiting Ibarbo, before Florenzi lashes an effort miles over the bar.
56'
Ibarbo goes down, claiming a tug of his shirt on the edge of the box, but the referee isn't interested whatsoever! Since Keita's introduction, Pjanic has been given more freedom, with the former Cagliari striker able to roam about as an orthodox centre-forward.
54'
M. Brozović gets yellow.
A few substitutes are warming up few either side, with Roma needing to try and change the complexion of this game as quickly as possible. Inter are looking solid, however, with Gnoukouri sitting in and providing an efficient screen.
52'
S. Kéita enters the game and replaces F. Totti.
Just over from Icardi! The Argentina international makes a brilliant run in behind the Roma back four, before being found by a fantastic pass from Guarin! The striker lashes an effort from a tight angle over the crossbar! Totti is then replaced by Keita.
51'
Nainggolan drifts inside from the right flank, before hammering an ever-rising rising into the stands. The former Cagliari midfielder has been extremely frustrating this evening, with Keita warming up on the sideline. The Belgium international might just have his number put up, before long.
50'
Fantastic pass from Palacio! The Argentine manages to slide a brilliant through ball into the left-hand channel, which Icardi looks to chase. The former Sampdoria striker gets there, but Mapou matches his man stride for stride and the danger is eliminated. Moments later, the Inter forward outmuscles the former Newcastle defender, before seeing a deflected strike head into De Sanctis' gloves.
48'
Roma win themselves a free kick on the left-hand side, after D'Ambrosio hacked down Ibarbo, but yet again the delivery is flighted straight into Handanovic. Icardi tries to dink a pass into the path of Brozovic, but Holebas and Mapou combine to cushion a header back to De Sanctis.
46'
We are underway in the second half in Milano! Inter hold the lead, but this contest offered plenty of competition in the first half, therefore pointing towards an exciting second period. Both coaches have plenty of options on their respective benches, too.
44'
Icardi can only send a speculative effort wide of the target, after good work down the left-hand side. Roma attempt to respond with a counter, but Juan ends up making a rash challenge on Nainggolan. The Belgian midfielder asks the question why the Brazilian defender didn't pick up a booking for his troubles.
42'
Inter have withdrawn into their shell somewhat for the final five minutes of the first half, but remain ready to counter like a coiled spring. Hernanes glides down the left-hand side, before attempting to find Icardi with a cross, but De Sanctis intercepts.
40'
A corner is swung in from the left-hand side for Roma, but Handanovic commands his area well and punches the danger clear. The Inter goalkeeper hasn't had to make a save yet, but the visitors are trying to make an impact before the interval. Pjanic stabs a pass towards Totti, but it rolls through to the goalkeeper.
38'
Icardi attempts to scamper in behind the Roma back four, but Manolas does well to keep stride with his man and prevent a shot from the Argentina international. Palacio tries to lead another charge down the left in the next phase of play, but the Inter forward is caught a few yards offside.
37'
Ibarbo attempts to break down the left, but is frustrated by D'Ambrosio, with Holebas falling victim to the same fate seconds later. Mancini will be pleased with his side's showing, thus far, while the Giallorossi continue to look as though they will surrender the points necessary to regain a lead over rivals Lazio in the Serie A table.
35'
Only 10 minutes remain until the break, with Roma earning themselves a free kick in a fairly dangerous area. Pjanic stands over it, but his delivery is terrible and Handanovic is more than happy to wander out and catch the ball. The visitors are struggling to find a cutting edge.
33'
Palacio drives down the left-hand side, but De Rossi comes across well to block an attempt cross by the Argentine forward. Hernanes then leads a break for Inter, but the hosts take too long on the ball and Roma get plenty of white shirts back goalside. This has been a measured and controlled first half, so far.
31'
Gervinho breaks down the right and angles in a cross, but the ball heads straight behind for an Inter goal kick. Ibarbo uses his pace to bursts beyond two defenders down the left, leaving D'Ambrosio and Ranocchia in his wake, but the former Cagliari man can't keep the ball in play at the byline.
29'
Brozovic clips a cross into the penalty area, after being fed by Gnoukouri, but again De Sanctis is on hand to claim. Nainggolan opts to shoot from 30 yards out, but sends the ball rocketing high and wide of the target. He receives a few unsavoury glances from his teammates.
27'
An early cross from the right-hand side by Florenzi is hooked away from the danger area by Ranocchia, as Roma continue to struggle to find a target within the penalty area. Merely having the fairly immobile Totti up top isn't providing too many options for the Giallorossi. The veteran tries to slide a pass in behind Juan for Gervinho to chase, but the latter is caught some way offside.
25'
Mancini is looking very animated on the sideline, while Garcia watching on with fire in his eyes. Inter look to build another attack from deep, but Icardi is blocked off by Mapou as the former Sampdoria striker looked to scamper beyond the visiting back four. The Nerazzurri are just edging the opening half an hour.
23'
Inter find themselves ahead due to a moment of magic from Hernanes, but this game has been anything but one-sided. The Nerazzurri work a corner short to Brozovic, but the Croatian's delivery into the box is easily caught by De Sanctis. Palacio feeds a pass into the area for Hernanes, but the goalscorer can only stroke a sidefooted effort beyond the left-hand post.
21'
M. Yanga-Mbiwa gets yellow.
Since taking the lead, Inter have been forced back by some considerable pressure from Roma. Ibarbo and Gervinho are proving to be energetic wide outlets, but Totti has seen very little service. The former Italy international is felled on the edge of the box by Gnoukouri, but the referee opts to not point for a free kick. It looked to be evident.
20'
R. Palacio gets yellow.
19'
Good work down the right from D'Ambrosio! The Italian wing-back combines well with Hernanes, before bustling his way past a challenge from Holebas and into the box! Under pressure from Mapou, the Inter man pokes a tame effort straight at De Sanctis at the goalkeeper's near post! Roma then break downfield, with Gervinho being denied by Ranocchia, before the loose ball is lashed against the upright by Ibarbo!
17'
This game just might have been forced into life, now! From absolutely nothing, Mancini's men have the lead, with Hernanes pulling the rabbit out of the hat. Roma respond with a break down the right, but a clipped pass forward from Nainggolan is easily shepherded behind for a goal kick by D'Ambrosio.
15'
Hernanes has scored a goal for Inter Milan! Assist by R. Palacio.
GOOOOOOOOAL! HERNANES SCORES FOR INTER! The former Lazio man has netted against Roma! The Brazil international lashes a long-range effort into the back of the net, with De Sanctis having absolutely no chance. He generates tremendous power with his left foot, curling a great finish just inside the far upright! The hosts lead!
14'
Hernanes uses some neat footwork to break down the left, before combining with Brozovic, but Florenzi gets back well to defuse the situation. This continues to be a slightly cagey and closed game, with neither outfit willing to push out, harry the opposition and force the issue.
12'
Neat defending has been the theme of the opening exchanges, with no gaping holes present to be exploited thus far. Gnoukouri tries to stab an incisive pass into Hernanes, but the 18-year-old gets his angles slightly wrong. The inexperienced midfielder is always looking for an out ball to bring Inter upfield.
10'
Roma work their way down the right-hand side, with Juan already being asked a few questions. Gervinho is found on the periphery of the penalty area, before turning smartly, but the Ivory Coast international sees an eventual snapshot blocked by Ranocchia. Moments later, Juan heads a dangerous cross away from danger.
8'
Play is switched out to D'Ambrosio on the right-hand side, but the former Torino wing-back misplaces a pass into the centre of the field. Chances just haven't been forthcoming, with interceptions far more common. Roma put the ball out of play, after a coming together between both Mapou and Manolas.
6'
Reasonable save from Handanovic! De Rossi lets fly from long range, but the Italy international is denied by the Inter shot-stopper! The ball looked to swerve and move in the air, with the Slovenian goalkeeper making sure that he got his body behind it.
5'
Palacio tries to slide Icardi in behind Roma's lines, but the Argentine connection doesn't quite work out. The away side attempt to break as a result, with Ibardo using his pace down the flank, but Juan manages to match his man all the way. This has been a bright start!
3'
Palacio is fed down the left-hand side, but the Argentine forward is unable to find any space to make a difference. Possession is shifted inside, before Brozovic takes control and decides a lash a long-range effort some way high and wide of the target!
1'
We are underway in the first half in Milan! The home side are wearing their customary black and blue stripes, while Roma are in an away kit of white.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Inter's late Serie A clash against Roma, as Roberto Mancini's men look to push on in the final stages of the Italian top flight. The visitors haven't been in good form of late, however, with some points needed to try and displace local rivals Lazio in second place! Plenty on the line in Estadio Giuseppe Meazza tonight.
I'm Simon Harrison and I will be keeping you up to date with proceedings, with Inter hoping to make it four games unbeaten in all competitions. Two 1-1 draws in recent weeks for Roma against Atalanta and Torino have allowed for Lazio to nip into second place, with goal difference putting the blue-and-white men of Rome in the driving seat for now. Three points against the Nerazzurri, meanwhile, could prove to be vital come the close of the season.
TEAM NEWS: Juan Jesus retains his place at left-back for the hosts, despite Davide Santon taking a seat on the bench after recovering from injury. Nemanja Vidic partners Andrea Ranocchia in the centre of the defence, with 18-year-old Assane Gnoukouri continuing to do enough to hold a starting berth. Fredy Guarin, Marcelo Brozovic and Hernanes are the offensive midfield choices for the Nerazzurri, with Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi sharing an Argentine connection up top.
TEAM NEWS: Francesco Totti, Gervinho and Victor Ibardo form an attacking trident for the away side, with Rudi Garcia hoping to test what has been a slightly shaky Inter defence. Alessandro Florenzi holds his place at right-back, while Kostas Manolas and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa form the heart of the back four. The Giallarossi look particularly strong in midfield, with Radja Nainggolan, Daniele De Rossi and Miralem Pjanic capable of both battling and creating.
HALF TIME! The two sides head into their respective dressing rooms, with Inter holding a slim 1-0 advantage over Roma. Former Lazio midfielder Hernanes lit up the game with a fantastic long-range strike, with both teams trading blows fairly equally since that point. The points are still all to play for, in what has been an enthralling and hard-fought first half at Estadio Giuseppe Meazza. Be sure to rejoin us in 10 minutes!
FULL TIME! Inter triumph over Roma by a 2-1 scoreline, with the visitors continuing their awful surrender of second place. Goals from Hernanes and Icardi were enough for the hosts, with Nainggolan making things interesting with a second-half strike. That's a good three points for the Nerazzurri, but that's all we have time for from Milano, I've been Simon Harrison and I hope to see you again next time.
Commentary
More…