AS Roma vs AC Milan Predicted XI: Key Selections

Preview: Roma vs Milan in Serie A

AS Roma host AC Milan in a high-stakes Serie A clash this weekend, with both sides eager to press their claims in a tight title race. Milan travel to the capital aiming to apply pressure on leaders Inter, while Roma look to build on a run of three consecutive wins after a 1-0 defeat to Atalanta to begin the year. The fixture will test tactical acumen, depth, and the ability of each manager to adapt under pressure. Here is a detailed look at the predicted XIs, injuries to watch, and the tactical logic likely to shape the match.

Predicted Roma XI

Roma will be aiming to balance solidity at the back with the creative spark needed to break Milan down. The expected XI below reflects a blend of form and personnel available, with a focus on compact defending and quick transitions in wide areas.

Goalkeeper: Rui Patrício
Right-back: Nelson Semedo
Centre-backs: Gianluca Mancini, Roger Ibañez
Left-back: Leonardo Spinazzola
Holding midfielder: Nemanja Matić
Central midfield: Lorenzo Pellegrini (captain), Paulo Dybala (or Houssem Aouar depending on fitness)
Right wing: Felix Afena-Gyan
Attacking midfielder: Paulo Dybala (if fit) / Bryan Cristante as alternative
Left wing: Mady Camara (or Nicola Zalewski for width)
Striker: Tammy Abraham

Key decisions for Mourinho include whether to deploy a back four or shift to a back three to accommodate extra pressure in midfield. Roma’s efficiency in transition could hinge on the industrious work of the defensive mid and the pace on the flanks, with Abraham leading the line as a constant outlet.

Predicted Milan XI

Milan will look to impose quality in the final third and control the tempo through their central midfield. Chefs-d-d, the predicted XI below prioritizes balance, experience, and the sustained threat of their attackers against Roma’s defensive setup.

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Right-back: Davide Calabria
Centre-backs: Fikayo Tomori, Alessio Romagnoli
Left-back: Theo Hernández
Holding midfielder: Ismaël Bennacer
Central midfield: Sandro Tonali, Rade Krunić (as a rotating option)
Right wing: Ante Rebić
Left wing: Brahim Díaz
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimović (if available) / Olivier Giroud

Milan’s approach will likely hinge on the ability of Bennacer and Tonali to recycle possession quickly and create front-foot tempo. Rebić and Díaz provide pace and technical variety on the flanks, with a central striker offering target and a goal threat. If Ibrahimović is not ready, Giroud’s movement and hold-up play become pivotal to unlock Roma’s back line.

Tactical angles and key matchups

Expect Roma to sit compactly in a mid-to-low block and invite Milan to break them down through diagonals and quick switches of play. The duel between Roma’s central midfield pairing and Milan’s creative players will be decisive; controlling that space could enable Roma to pin Milan in their own half and exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

For Milan, the battle on the wings will be vital. Calire’s wide men must stretch Roma’s shape and deliver crosses or cut-backs for the central runners. The effectiveness of Milan’s pressing in transition will also determine how much time Roma can settle the ball and initiate meaningful attacks from possession.

Verdict

This clash promises a tactical tug-of-war with high strategic stakes. The predicted XIs prioritize form, fitness, and balance, giving each side a clear plan. If Roma can disrupt Milan’s build-up and capitalize on quick transitions, they can edge a tight victory. Conversely, Milan’s structured midfield and varied attacking options leave them with a strong chance to control proceedings and extract a win away from home.