Preview: Roma vs Milan
AS Roma welcome AC Milan to the capital this weekend for a crucial Serie A clash that could reshape the title race and top-four dynamics. Milan head south hoping to narrow the gap to league leaders Inter, while Roma look to extend their winning run after a 1-0 loss to Atalanta opened 2024’s second half. The result sets the tone for a game that promises intensity, tactical nuance, and a battle for momentum in a tightly packed table.
Predicted XI: Roma
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio
- Defence: Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling, Roger Ibanez, Gianluca Spinazzola
- Midfield: Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala (creative engine playing behind the striker in a free role), Lorenzo Pellegrini (captain)
- Wingers/Attacking Midfield: Nicolo Zaniolo on the right, Paulo Dybala tucked in as a playmaker, Pedro on the left
- Forward: Tammy Abraham leading the line
Roma’s approach will likely hinge on a solid defensive base and rapid transitions. The midfield trio aims to recycle possession efficiently and unlock Abraham with clever runs and link-up play. Keeping Milan quiet in the early stages could prove decisive in a match that often swings on small margins.
Predicted XI: Milan
Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
- Defence: Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Theo Hernandez
- Midfield: Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer, Tijani Reijnders
- Attack: Brahim Diaz, Olivier Giroud, Rafael Leao
AC Milan will look to assert midfield control and exploit Roma’s high line with pace on the counter. Diaz’s creativity, Leao’s pace, and Giroud’s hold-up play could create the kind of chances that push Milan to the fore in this fixture. The balance in midfield will be key, as Roma will try to press aggressively but must avoid leaving space for Milan’s quick wingers behind the defence.
Tactical preview
Expect Milan to set a compact shape with a high press under pressure, aiming to force errors from Roma’s build-up. Roma, in turn, will focus on disciplined pressing and transitions through Pellegrini and Zaniolo, who can exploit spaces if Milan commit forward. The clash in midfield will decide tempo: a controlled, patient approach from Milan could frustrate Roma’s forward thrust, while Roma’s intensity could disrupt Milan’s rhythm and force a risky switch in play.
Key matchups
- Center-backs vs. Abraham: physical duels and aerial battles could shape the profit from set-pieces.
- Tonali vs. Pellegrini: a battle for ball progression and tempo control in the middle third.
- Diaz vs. Spinazzola: exploiting wide spaces and creating overloads on the flanks.
What it means for the table
A victory for Milan would keep the pressure on Inter and keep them in a title chase, while Roma will be eager to solidify a push for European football by capitalizing on home advantage. A draw could suit the tighter end of the table and preserve momentum for both sides ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Final thoughts
This clash promises a tactical duel as well as a showcase of elite players at the peak of their form. Expect a match that could swing on a single moment, a set-piece, or a clever through ball that unlocks a defense. The predicted XI above aims to balance defensive solidity with attacking threat, reflecting the teams’ current trajectories and the high stakes of Serie A.
