Inter-Roma Preview: Visitors hold slender advantage

Andrea Stramaccioni’s preparations for the Coppa Italia second leg against Roma have taken another blow after Walter Gargano and Yuto Nagatomo picked up injuries in the 2-0 defeat to Cagliari on Sunday.

The Japanese defender has been ruled out for the season after breaking his external left meniscus, while the Uruguayan anchorman will face several weeks on the touchline with a thigh strain. They add their names to a growing injury list which includes Antonio Cassano, Rodrigo Palacio, Diego Milito and Cristian Chivu.

Stramaccioni is already without the suspended Alvaro Pereira and Fredy Guarin as Inter look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit. Veteran striker Tommaso Rocchi will continue to operate as the only fit senior forward.

Giallorossi coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has concerns over trio Erik Lamela, Pablo Osvaldo and Miralem Pjanic after they missed Monday’s training session, but all three are expected to shake off knocks to play on Wednesday.

Club officials also revealed that Daniele De Rossi is making significant progress in his comeback from injury, and the 29-year-old could start.

Vasilis Torosidis and Marquinhos are both pushing for a return to the starting XI after being rested for the 2-1 victory at Torino on Sunday.

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