The visit of high-flying Roma to San Siro tonight will provide Inter with a “vital” test on their mission to infiltrate Serie A’s leading pack, according to head coach Stefano Pioli.

Inter looked set for another season of disappointment after starting badly under Frank de Boer, who made way for Pioli in November.

The former Lazio boss has since steered the Nerazzurri into fourth place, where they are six points behind Napoli and another two shy of Roma.

Pioli said: “Everyone knows that it’s a vital game. We’ve done everything in our power to reach this game with our opponents not out of reach.

“We want to try and force the issue and try to beat a great Roma side. We’re preparing for the game in the same way we have done for all the others.

“We want to play to the best of our potential – we know that if we stick together as a team for all 90 minutes and show focus, concentration and intensity, we can win it.

“It’s a match between two sides in good form. Our stats are quite similar, so I think we’re evenly matched despite what the table suggests. We know the potential pitfalls, but we’re ready for anything.”

Pioli will be without suspended centre-back Miranda, but Inter are otherwise at full strength.

“You can’t overlook how important Miranda is, but I have plenty of valid alternatives to make sure our defence is strong,” added the Inter manager.