Allegri not surprised to see Roma in Serie A top four race under Gasperini

It has come as no surprise to AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri to see Roma in the hunt for a top-four finish in Serie A under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini.

Roma host Milan on Sunday, with just four points separating the two sides, who are fourth and second respectively.

Allegri’s side will also be hoping to close the gap to league leaders Inter, despite the Italian coach constantly reiterating that the Rossoneri are not in a fight for the Scudetto.

Roma have won their last three league games, while Milan are unbeaten since the opening day, and Allegri is anticipating a great battle between the two sides.

“Roma is not a surprise, I knew we’d see them up there with Gasperini,” said Allegri.

“We’re looking at four teams competing for three places. I discount Inter. They’re doing very well and have a projection of 90 points.

“We hope that we [Italy] might get five teams in the Champions League, otherwise one gets left out.

“This will be a good game against a team that is fighting against us for a spot in the top four.

“Gasperini is doing a great job. The formation is typical of the coach: They’re very good in the offensive phase as well as in defence.”

The weekend is upon us

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PLAYERS TO WATCH

Roma – Donyell Malen

Donyell Malen scored against Torino on his Serie A debut. In the three-points-for-a-win era (since 1994-95), only two players have scored in each of their first two Serie A games for Roma: Sergio Oliveira (January 2022) and current Inter manager Cristian Chivu (September 2003).

AC Milan – Rafael Leao

Rafael Leao has been involved in eight goals (two goals, six assists) against Roma in all competitions, only recording more goal involvements against Lazio (nine) for Milan (also eight against Cagliari).

In particular, his six assists against Roma is a record for the Portuguese against a single opponent in official matches.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Roma have won each of their last three Serie A matches without conceding a goal; the Giallorossi could record four consecutive Serie A wins, while keeping a clean sheet each time, for the first time since between September and October 2013 (seven in a row in that instance, under Rudi Garcia).

Milan, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 20 Serie A games (W13 D7); among teams in the big five European leagues, only Bayern Munich have a longer current unbeaten run (27) than Allegri’s side.

Milan have won more Serie A matches against Roma than any other opponent (81 wins from 181 matches, with 54 draws and 46 victories for Roma).

Furthermore, Milan have now scored 262 Serie A goals against Roma – they have only netted more against Fiorentina (269).

Roma and Milan are two of the three teams that have gained the most points compared to their first 21 Serie A matches last season. Roma rank joint-first with Como with +15 points (42 to 27), while Milan are third with +12 points (46 to 34).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Roma – 36.2%

Draw – 30.4%

AC Milan – 33.4%