Roma host Inter Milan on Saturday in a standout fixture with several subplots.
Games between the two sides have produced some memorable moments over the years and this time there will be a couple of factors to make it even more interesting.
Most obviously, it will see Jose Mourinho go up against his former side. When in charge of Inter, he was revered for winning the treble, but now his loyalties lie with Roma.
On the other side, Edin Dzeko will be returning to Stadio Olimpico for the first time as an opponent since the ex-captain left La Magica in the summer.
Dzeko was replaced by Tammy Abraham in the most recent transfer window, but the Englishman will not get to take on his predecessor due to suspension. Fellow 2021 arrival Eldor Shomurodov will likely start in his place.
Rick Karsdorp is also suspended, so Roger Ibanez may shuffle over to right-back.
On the opposite flank, winger-turned-wing-back Stephan El Shaarawy will also be out due to injury. Fortunately, Matias Vina is back in contention after coming on against Bologna in midweek.
Mourinho has decided against holding a pre-match press conference, meaning there will be no hints about how the gaps in the team will be filled.
All will become clear when the sides take to the pitch for their first meeting since a 3-1 defeat at San Siro in May. At home, meanwhile, Roma haven’t lost to Inter since August 2017.
The champions are in good form despite several transitions over the summer, though. Inter are nine points above Roma in the table at present; although fighting for different objectives, it would be only a positive thing to close the gap.
Doing so will require a monumental effort though in another measure of where Roma are at.
The game kicks off at 5pm UK time and will be live (coverage starting 15 minutes in) on BT Sport 1.
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