500 goals, a prolific de Vrij and Lukaku’s lucky 13

Last night’s 2-2 full-time result against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico secured Inter’s place in the top four of Serie A 2019/20 and the Champions League qualification that comes with it. A point snatched right at the death thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s late penalty. As always, in collaboration with Opta, here are all of the facts and statistics on last night’s clash with the Giallorossi.

A GRAND TOTAL OF 503 Stefan de Vrij’s first-half finish broke a record, being the 500th goal scored in matches between Roma and Inter and making it the first fixture between to sides to hit 500 goals in Serie A history. Historically, as well as in recent times, Roma vs. Inter has always been a fixture full of goals and drama. After last night’s draw, the total number of goals scored moves up to 503 (279 for Inter, 224 for Roma) in 174 games: an average of 2.9 goals per game! The latest record of results now reads: 72 wins for Inter, 50 draws and 52 Roma successes.

STEFAN DE VRIJ, THE SECOND MOST PROLIFIC CENTRE-BACK IN EUROPE Stefan de Vrij’s fourth goal of the season takes our Dutchman right to the top of the rankings for central defenders. Our number 6 is now just the fourth centre-back to have scored at least two goals in each of the last four seasons in Europe’s Top 5 leagues, after Nathan Aké, Leonardo Bonucci and Sergio Ramos. On the topic of Sergio Ramos: since 2016/17, the Spaniard is the only centre-back to have scored more goals in Europe’s Top 5 leagues (Ramos on 28, de Vrij on 14).

AWAY FORM AND HEADERS With the point won in Rome, Inter climb up to 72 points in the table, with 37 of these having been earned on the road, making the Nerazzurri the best away side in Serie A this season.

De Vrij’s goal secured another top spot for Inter, with Conte’s squad now having scored 18 headers in Serie A for a total of 21 across all competitions this season. Only Atalanta (13) have scored more goals following corners than Inter (ten) in the ongoing league campaign.

LUKAKU’S LUCKY 13 Lukaku’s penalty last night was his sixth in the league this season, our Belgian having a 100% conversion rate (Inter have scored ten from eleven in total). This goal makes Lukaku the first player to score 13 away goals in his debut season in Serie A since the Italian top flight took on a round-robin format in 1929.

ALEXIS’ ASSISTS Another positive performance for Alexis Sanchez, who took the corner for de Vrij’s early goal. This makes it six assists and two goals for our Chilean in his last six league appearances. Only Lionel Messi (nine) has provided more assists than Alexis (seven) since football returned after lockdown.