The third comeback and remembering Sandro: Roma vs. Inter in five moments

A game full of emotion, action and twists and turns: putting Roma vs. Inter into words is no easy task. It was a real rollercoaster, captivating both teams' fans and football fans everywhere. The match at the Olimpico was a brilliant display of quality and intensity from two top sides. Played at a relentless pace with barely a moment to catch your breath, let’s look back at five key moments from an unforgettable Saturday night for the Nerazzurri.

SANDRO FOREVER

It was not an easy day for Inter and their fans. The passing of Sandro Mazzola, a Club icon and symbol, deeply affected everyone. Those who watched him play were transported back through their memories, while those who only knew his story felt part of something much bigger, something rooted in Inter’s values and history, bringing us all together through our Nerazzurri passion. Chivu’s players wore black armbands, a minute’s silence was held before kick-off, while banners, chants, interviews and tributes before and after the game kept Mazzola at the heart of the occasion at the Olimpico, the very stadium where he became a European champion with Italy in 1968. There was no silence during those 60 seconds around the centre circle. Instead, the entire stadium broke into a long applause, as the image of Sandro appeared on the big screen, greeted with an outpouring of affection and that familiar smile beneath his unmistakable moustache.

A GOAL MADE IN THU-LA

After a first half to forget, with Inter going into the break 2-0 down, the Nerazzurri came out for the second half with new energy. They were determined to change the ending once again and prove their quality against one of the strongest sides in the league. It took Inter just 51 seconds to get back into the game, with two men leading the charge: Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. The Thu-La combination was involved from the very start of the move: Thuram won the ball from Mancini before Lautaro raced forward into open space. No one else touched the ball, just Inter’s two forwards. Lautaro played it out to the left for Tikus, who returned it first time to his captain. Lautaro then cut inside towards the centre of the box, making the kind of run Inter fans know all too well. His left-footed finish was far from clean, almost skidding along the ground, but the placement was perfect. The ball brushed the far post on its way in, leaving Svilar with no chance. The Toro celebrated, but there was no time to waste. He immediately headed back towards the halfway line, taking a moment to thank Thuram for the assist. There was still work to do.

PEPO’S BIG SAVE

Inter had got themselves back into the game and were pushing hard in Roma’s half, but the hosts were still finding ways to threaten going forward. Gasperini’s side looked to exploit any space left by the Nerazzurri, even if they no longer had quite the same relentless energy they showed in the first half. Their attacks down the flanks also led to a number of set-piece opportunities, with Roma looking to make the most of them. The biggest chance came in the 68th minute. Dybala swung in a corner, Malen controlled the ball inside the box, turned in an instant and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot towards goal. Martinez did exactly what a goalkeeper needs to do in that situation: he came off his line, making himself as big as possible to cover the goal. The shot struck Pepo square in the face, but he kept it out, denying Roma a 3-1 lead and keeping Inter in the game. There was certainly an element of luck involved, but it was also down to the Spanish goalkeeper’s instincts and positioning. He did everything he could to get in the way of Malen’s shot, and it paid off.

THE INCREDIBLE 79TH MINUTE

The moment that summed up everything about the game at the Olimpico: the intensity, the energy and the determination to make a real impact. Barella swung in a corner, Thuram met it with a header and Svilar produced a stunning save. The ball was still in the air when Lautaro came charging in and headed against the crossbar. It seemed incredible that Inter still hadn’t scored, but the move wasn’t over. The ball fell to Barella, who laid it back to Luis Henrique. The Brazilian spotted a gap for Carlos Augusto, who sent a low cross into the middle. Lautaro got a touch, but Bisseck beat both Hermoso and Rensch to the ball and managed to send it back towards the Toro. The captain controlled it with his thigh before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot towards the far post. Svilar got a fingertip to it, but there was nothing he could do this time. Lautaro roared with delight as he raced towards the Inter fans, with Pio Esposito jumping on him in celebration. There may not be a railing at the Olimpico like there is at San Siro, but the scenes were just as emotional.

DIOUF’S LAST-DITCH RECOVERY

The final moment to pick out from the game at the Olimpico came deep into stoppage time. It was the second of the three added minutes and the score was level, but there was still a sense that anything could happen in a game that had been played at such a relentless pace. Dybala moved forward down the right, with Carlos Augusto and Luis Henrique tracking him. The Argentine then switched play to the opposite flank, where Rensch was waiting. The Dutchman looked ready to bring the ball under control and drive towards the Inter box. But Andy Diouf had other ideas. After 90 minutes of running, the Frenchman found one final burst of energy and raced back to cover. He took advantage of Rensch’s poor first touch, won the ball and shut down what could have been Roma’s final chance. Inter had fought back from two goals down against a strong opponent and never stopped looking for a winner. But they also never stopped fighting to avoid defeat, and Diouf’s final recovery run was the perfect example.