The defending champions AC Milan and Roma meet Saturday night at Stadio Olimpico with identical point totals and goal differential in the Serie A rankings.
Team Form
Roma
Roma had been ahead in Serie A’s top-four race and progressed in Europe. However, their recent defeat against Atalanta has kept their close competitors in contention.
Although trailing by two goals in the closing stages, Roma’s captain Lorenzo Pellegrini scored, offering a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, Rui Patricio’s mistake resulted in Atalanta securing all three points.
Roma sits fifth in the standings, with seven games left to play. Nevertheless, their fate remains in their own hands, as a victory over Milan this week would take them above their Rossoneri rivals.
Roma’s recent progression to the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Bayer Leverkusen next month, provides them plenty to play for in the coming weeks. Additionally, their home form could be crucial in determining their success.
Roma Serie A Form: L W W W L
AC Milan
Coach Stefano Pioli’s calm hand has stabilised the young squad after a mid-season wobble. Moreover, they had kept a clean sheet in three of their last four league matches, only allowing Napoli to score when victory was assured in the clubs’ quarter-final tie.
Milan’s Rafael Leao has been in great form lately, bouncing back from his post-World Cup slump. He made an eye-catching contribution in the Champions League success against Napoli and scored a brace last weekend.
Despite their successes, Milan’s shoddy away form has been their Achilles’ heel, which explains why they are 22 points adrift of the top spot in their title defence. Milan has suffered four losses in their last seven away games in Serie A, as many as in their previous 54.
AC Milan Serie A Form: L W D D W
Squad Report
Roma
Paulo Dybala, who suffered an ankle bruise in the loss to Atalanta, is hopeful of playing in their next game on Saturday evening.
However, Rick Karsdorp is out for the season as he recovers from knee surgery, and Giorginio Wijnaldum remains doubtful due to a muscular problem.
Chris Smalling and Diego Llorente have picked up injuries in the past week, leaving coach Jose Mourinho to reshuffle his backline for their next game.
AC Milan
Milan’s only absentee for the upcoming game is Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Captain Davide Calabria will return from suspension, Simon Kjaer will likely start at centre-back, and Ismael Bennacer will resume his midfield role.
Roma’s expected starting lineup:
Patricio; Mancini, Kumbulla, Ibanez; Zalewski, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Abraham
AC Milan’s expected starting lineup:
Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Hernandez; Tonali, Krunic; Diaz, Bennacer, Leao; Giroud
Head to Head
AC Milan has a good recent record against AS Roma, having won 19 out of the last 53 matches between the two teams. In contrast, AS Roma has managed 16 victories.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Saturday, April 29
Time: 06:00 pm, CEST
Venue: Stadio Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Prediction
Both sides are neck-and-neck in the Serie A standings and have been closely matched throughout the season. The two teams may finish level again at the Olimpico.
