Sunday’s Serie A action concludes with a blockbuster clash between fourth-placed Roma and second-placed Milan at the Stadio Olimpico. It’s time to preview the game and take a look at the expected lineups.
Fresh from serving a suspension, Jose Mourinho will be back on the touchline after watching from the stands as his Roma side came from behind to beat Cagliari 2-1. The ‘Special One’ will be looking forward to Milan’s visit to the Stadio Olimpico, having won four of his last five managerial fixtures against the Rossoneri.
Meanwhile, the visitors demonstrated they know how to win ‘ugly’ matches, eking out a tight 1-0 home win over Torino in midweek to maintain their impressive start to the season. Stefano Pioli’s men have already proved last season’s runner-up finish was no fluke as they now look to do one better.
Roma vs Milan Head-to-Head
Franck Kessie and Ante Rebic fired Milan to a 2-1 victory in this exact fixture last season, while Jordan Veretout scored the consolation goal for Roma. Another defeat here would see the home side lose back-to-back Serie A meetings with this opposition in the capital for the first time since 2005.
That prospect is not out of the realm of possibility, considering the Rossoneri have won more Serie A matches against Roma (76) than versus any other side in their top-flight history. Indeed, Milan have lost only 26.16% of their 172 Serie A encounters against this opposition throughout history.
With the historic H2H stakes firmly on their side, Pioli’s side will be looking to improve their recent fortunes against Roma. The seven-time European Cup winners have won just two of their last nine Serie A clashes against the capital-based outfit (D3, L4), meaning their triumph here is not a foregone conclusion.
Roma Form Preview
Roma have rediscovered their scoring mojo in time for this fixture, netting twice beyond the 70-minute mark to beat Cagliari on the road a few days ago. Before pulling off that comeback, the Giallorossi had failed to get on the scoresheet in two consecutive Serie A matches, both of which came against last season’s top-five teams.
In addition to drawing a blank against Napoli and Juventus, Mourinho’s men lost the first Derby della Capitale of the season to bitter rivals Lazio 3-2. Roma’s tendency to fall apart in high-profile games somewhat justifies the skepticism among the Stadio Olimpico faithful, though the hosts’ recent showings here are encouraging.
The Giallorossi have yet to lose a Serie A match at home under Mourinho (W4, D1), netting an average of 1.6 goals per game in the process. It’s also worth noting that Roma have not conceded the opening goal in any of their five top-flight outings on home turf this term, scoring first in all bar a goalless draw with Napoli last time out.
Player to watch: Lorenzo Pellegrini
With five goals and two assists to his name from nine Serie A appearances this season, Lorenzo Pellegrini has developed into one of the most prolific midfield players in Italy’s top-flight.
The 25-year-old scored a stunning free-kick to complete Roma’s turnaround at Sardegna Arena and will be looking to find the net in back-to-back league games for the first time this term.
Milan Form Preview
It’s been a truly remarkable start to the season for Milan so far. Alongside Napoli, the Rossoneri are the only team in Serie A to have picked up 28 of the available 30 points this term (W9, D1). Another victory here would see Pioli’s side join a distinguished group of four Serie A clubs to have won ten of their opening 11 top-flight fixtures.
The visitors have been nothing short of outstanding on the road this calendar year. After racking up 14 Serie A victories away from home in 2021, Milan could become only the third side in the competition history to win 15 away matches across a single calendar year.
There’s been plenty of action in Milan’s recent Serie A trips. Each of their last three top-flight games outside San Siro has seen 3+ goals and both teams scoring, with Pioli’s men prevailing on every occasion (W3). Additionally, except for a 1-1 draw with Juventus in Turin, the Rossoneri have found the opener in their remaining four Serie A travels this season.
Player to watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is chasing a flattering milestone, as his next goal in Serie A will be his 400th in domestic league play. This match will be a prime opportunity for the 40-year-old to reach that landmark as he has netted ten top-flight goals against Roma.
Roma vs Milan Predicted Lineups
Roma (4-2-3-1): Rui Patricio; Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Roger Ibanez, Matias Vina; Bryan Cristante, Jordan Veretout; Nicolo Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan; Tammy Abraham.
Milan (4-2-3-1): Ciprian Tatarusanu; Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Simon Kjaer, Theo Hernandez; Franck Kessie, Ismael Bennacer; Alexis Saelemaekers, Rade Krunic, Rafael Leao; Zlatan Ibrahimovic.