Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 19/10
Bookmaker: ZetBet
The Stadio Olimpico will be the stage for a blockbuster Serie A clash on Sunday evening as Roma host AC Milan in a meeting that could shape the top-four race and the Scudetto battle.
Both sides are in fine form, and with just four points separating them, the stakes could not be higher.
Roma
After a difficult spell around the turn of the year, Roma have rediscovered their rhythm, winning three consecutive Serie A matches without conceding. Their latest triumph—a 2-0 victory over Torino—came just days after being knocked out of the Coppa Italia by the same opponent, underlining their resilience.
Donyell Malen marked his debut with a goal after an early strike was ruled out by VAR, while Paulo Dybala rolled back the years with a sublime flicked finish. Those contributions kept Roma within touching distance of the top four and just four points behind Milan, keeping faint title hopes alive. However, Champions League qualification remains their primary target.
The Giallorossi also impressed in Europe, defeating Stuttgart 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday thanks to a brace from rising star Niccolò Pisilli. That win extended their strong home record—seven victories in their last nine matches at the Olimpico across all competitions.
Despite their resurgence, Roma face a historical hurdle: they have lost nine of the last 16 league meetings with Milan, including November’s reverse fixture.
Team News
Roma will be without Mario Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk, and former Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy due to injury. Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ferguson picked up minor knocks against Stuttgart, but Malen—praised by Gian Piero Gasperini after his debut—could start alongside Dybala.
While Dybala boasts 13 Serie A goal involvements against Milan, he has not scored a league goal at the Olimpico for nearly 400 days.
AC Milan
Milan return to the capital unbeaten in 20 Serie A matches, a run bettered only by Bayern Munich across Europe’s top five leagues. Max Allegri’s men have been relentless since August, with their only defeats coming in cup competitions—against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana and Lazio in the Coppa Italia.
The Rossoneri edged past Lecce last weekend thanks to Niclas Füllkrug’s late strike, his first Serie A goal since joining to provide a focal point in attack. That win kept Milan within three points of leaders Inter, maintaining the pressure in a fiercely contested title race.
Victory at the Olimpico would not only strengthen Milan’s Scudetto credentials but also deal a major blow to Roma’s hopes of staying in contention. However, Milan’s last visit to this stadium ended in a 3-1 defeat last May—a rare blemish in an otherwise dominant run.
Team News
Rafael Leão, who has contributed to eight goals against Roma in his career, is expected to start but faces competition from Christopher Nkunku, Christian Pulisic, and Füllkrug.
Santiago Giménez is the only confirmed absentee, while Strahinja Pavlović has returned from a head injury and Alexis Saelemaekers is battling a thigh strain.
Head-to-Head
This fixture has historically favored Milan, who have won nine of the last 16 meetings. Roma’s last home victory over the Rossoneri came in May 2023, but Milan claimed the spoils in November’s reverse fixture.
Both sides have improved significantly on last season’s points tally, setting up a clash that promises intensity and tactical intrigue.
Conclusion
With two defensively solid teams boasting attacking firepower, expect a tense and tactical contest. Both sides may find the net, but clear chances could be scarce.
A draw appears the most likely outcome, though a single moment of brilliance could tip the balance in this heavyweight showdown.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 19/10
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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