Gasperini is expected to set Roma up in his trademark 3-4-2-1, a system that morphs into a 3-4-1-2 in possession with the attacking midfielders drifting into the half-spaces. Manu Kone, who made a cameo off the bench in Turin, could return to the starting lineup at the expense of Pisilli, adding steel and drive to the double pivot. That midfield dogfight will be crucial. Roma will look to press Inter's deep build-up, force turnovers, and spring quick attacks through the inside channels. The wing-backs will push high, stretching Inter's back three and creating overloads out wide.

Inter are likely to line up in a 3-5-2, a shape that gives them numerical superiority in midfield but can leave them vulnerable to quick transitions if the wing-backs are caught upfield. Their coach will demand control, but Roma's aggressive pressing could disrupt their rhythm. The battle in the middle of the park will be a chess match: Inter's midfield trio looking to dictate tempo, Roma's double pivot and attacking midfielders snapping at their heels. Set-pieces could be decisive; both teams have aerial threats, and with the game expected to be tight, a dead-ball situation might break the deadlock.