Here is our Roma vs Milan recap as the Rossoneri secured a 2-1 triumph at Stadio Olimpico on Friday evening in Matchday 3 Serie A action. A marvelous volley by Rafael Leao would be the pick of the goals as Milan made it three wins from three to start the new Serie A campaign, despite being reduced to ten men in the second half. Roma are still searching for their first win of the season and have just one point on the board. Check out our Roma vs Milan recap below.
Roma vs Milan Team News
Jose Mourinho was back down on the touchline after serving a ten-day ban to start the campaign. The Portuguese boss was searching for his first triumph over Milan while in charge of the Giallorossi. There was no Paulo Dybala in the squad as his injury issues resume, whilst new loan signing Romelu Lukaku started on the bench.
Milan were unchanged for the third straight match to start the season after their promising start in Serie A. They had taken full points from their opening two games. The two teams drew both meetings last season but Milan have had much more success of late, losing just one of their last 11 clashes with Roma before the match here.
Loftus-Cheek Wins Spot Kick, Giroud Puts Milan Ahead
Ruben Loftus-Cheek came close to taking the lead for the visitors early on, linking up well with Giroud before driving through the Roma defense. He went all the way through before facing Rui Patricio and referee Antonio Rapuano was sent to the screen by VAR after the Giallorossi ‘keeper caught the former Chelsea man.
The Rossoneri were awarded the spot kick and Giroud unduly delivered, slotting the ball into the left-hand side of the goal. The Frenchman was able to add his fourth of the season already. Roma’s woeful start to the 2023/24 Serie A season continued.
Theo Hernandez & Rafael Leao linked up well down the left flank and the former set up a good opportunity for Christian Pulisic but Patrico made the save to deny him. The hosts struggled to get going throughout, failing to really put together any sequences of play nor testing Rossoneri ‘keeper Mike Maignan.
Leao Stunner Doubles Milan Lead
It was a wonderful start to the second half too for the visitors as a Leao stunner put Milan two goals ahead just a couple of minutes after the restart. The Portugal international showed a fantastic piece of improvisation to volley the ball into the back of the net following a cross from the right by Davide Calabria.
However, there would be a twist in the tale as Fikayo Tomori was dismissed on the hour mark for a second bookable offence. Andrea Belotti clearly won the ongoing battle throughout the night between the two. Roma struggled to capitalize with their extra man but a deflected effort by substitute Leonardo Spinazzola in injury time got them back into it late on.
It was too little too late for Roma as they struggled to create all evening. It was deserved win for Milan who dug in deep and kept their structure well after going down to ten men. So, that was our Roma vs Milan recap as the Rossoneri left the capital with all three points. Check out our Roma player ratings here.