Roma-Milan is a match of the thirty-second day of Serie A and is played on Saturday at 18:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming.
In the first of two close encounters between Roma and Milan, an important slice of qualification for the next Champions League is up for grabs.
The race for fourth place, after the (temporary) cancellation of Juventus’ penalty, has become even more uncertain and compelling, and paired at 56 are precisely the two protagonists of the Olimpico’s advance, Roma and Milan, respectively fifth and fourth in the standings. A “fiery” direct clash between two teams that risk staying out of the top four and not playing the most important cup. Stefano Pioli’s men in the last round took advantage of the long wave of the qualification to the Champions League semifinals obtained against Napoli by dominating Lecce 2-0 thanks to a double by the man of the match at the “Maradona,” Rafael Leao, who is living a real state of grace. Three points that allowed the Rossoneri to return to success after two draws in a row with Empoli and Bologna. Thus, the Rossoneri’s positive streak is extended, as they now haven’t lost in five games between the league and Champions League.
Roma, the Olimpico is a fortress in 2023
A setback after three wins in a row instead for Roma, who after the effort they made to come back from Feyenoord in the Europa League and clinch the semifinals were unable to find – and this is nothing new after the cup rounds – the energy to go for the win at home to Atalanta. The challenge at the Gewiss Stadium was won (3-1) by Gasperini’s team.
Mourinho
A defeat perhaps announced and that complicates the Giallorossi’s path in the league: on the heels of José Mourinho’s men there is now again Inter, last Sunday’s winner in Empoli, and it is not excluded that Atalanta itself, at -4 from the Capitolini, will re-enter the race. Roma in front of its own public has never lost in 2023 – with the exception of the Coppa Italia match with Cremonese – but the Olimpico has lately often been a land of conquest for the Rossoneri, who have won both of the last matches played against the Giallorossi in the capital. They have not made it to three away victories in a row since 1990. The first leg, at the San Siro, ended in a pyrotechnic 2-2 draw, with Roma putting back two goals for Milan in the final minutes, effectively starting the Rossoneri’s mini-crisis that lasted from mid-January to early February.
Roma-Milan: the latest lineup news
Total emergency in defense for Mourinho, who in addition to Smalling will also have to do without Llorente and therefore has his men counted. Kumbulla will play between Mancini and Ibanez, while the other two heavy absences concern midfield and attack: both Dybala and Wijnaldum are in strong doubt. In front, finally, Belotti seems favored over Abraham.
Pioli, on the other hand, has the entire squad available except for the injured Ibrahimovic, who is struggling with a calf problem. Compared to Lecce, the Rossoneri coach recovers Giroud in attack, who could be supported by Saelemaekers, Brahim Diaz and Leao.
The Prediction
The usual “formula” of Roma winning at the Olimpico and without conceding a goal (seven clean sheets out of eight league matches played at home in 2023) may not happen. In fact, the Giallorossi will have to deal with some heavy absences in defense and will struggle to contain the attacks of Milan, which should score at least one goal in a match in which they are likely to score both. The Rossoneri will avoid defeat.
The probable formations of Roma-Milan
- ROMA (3-4-2-1): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Kumbulla, Ibanez; Zalewski, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; El Shaarawy, Pellegrini; Belotti.
- MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Hernandez; Tonali, Krunic; Brahim Diaz, Bennacer, Leao; Giroud.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
