After running riot in their Europa League last-16 tie against Sparta Praha, Milan will take on bitter Serie A rivals Roma in the quarter-finals. It’s a mouth-watering showdown, and not just on paper, as Giallorossi seem to be on the verge of recovering old glory under Daniele De Rossi.
Roma’s resurgence in the post-Jose Mourinho era has turned them into credible top-four contenders in Serie A. But the Portuguese manager’s legacy at the Stadio Olimpico could be a winning continental mentality he had instilled during his tenure in the capital. And Milan are not happy with the draw.
If you consider the draw could’ve paired them with Liverpool or Bayer Leverkusen, facing Roma looks like child’s play. However, there’s something in De Rossi’s regime that frightens the Milan hierarchy. They’ve shown signs of anxiety after learning their quarter-final opponent, relays Rossoneri correspondent Peppe Di Stefano.
“Milan are not that happy with the draw because they will be facing a renewed team [Roma], with the second leg to be played away from home as well,” he stated while speaking on Sky Italia, as quoted by MilanNews24.
Despite these claims, Milan will still enter this tie as favorites to reach the semis of the only competition they’ve never won in their storied history. Roma’s renaissance under De Rossi can only put more weight on Rossoneri’s potential triumph, but there’s no good reason for them to be afraid.
In addition to dominating this fixture in recent years, Stefan Pioli boasts an impressive squad. Milan will have the next chance to prove their value on Sunday when they take on bottom-half strugglers Hellas Verona at Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.
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