The Daily Star Ireland
AC Milan, which has made a strong comeback in recent years, has had a disappointing season so far, finding itself trailing behind the teams competing in European competitions. The Rossoneri are already 8 points adrift of the top 4 spots that lead to Champions League qualification. In Europe, however, Milan is still in the race for the Round of 16 after a 2-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade. In Serie A, their form has been inconsistent, suffering a 2-1 loss to Atalanta and a 1-1 draw against Genoa before finally securing a 1-0 win against Hellas Verona last week.
Roma, on the other hand, has had an even more challenging season. After a poor start, they have struggled to stay in the European race. However, since Claudio Ranieri took charge, the team has begun to show improvement, winning 2 out of their last 3 league matches, including impressive victories over Lecce (4-1), Como (2-0), and Parma (5-0) last weekend. Roma also secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Sampdoria in the Italian Cup.
Milan continues to miss several key players, including Pulisic, who has contributed 5 goals and 4 assists in Serie A, along with potential midfielders Loftus-Cheek and Musah, and striker Okafor. Long-term absentees include Florenzi, Bennacer, and Jovic. Additionally, captain Morata of La Roja, who has 4 goals this season, and Leao (3 goals, 4 assists) are also out with injuries.
Roma, meanwhile, will have striker Abraham (2 goals in Serie A and 2 in Champions League) and Dutch midfielder Reijnders (4 goals), who scored the only goal in their win over Verona.
Prediction
Despite a lack of atmosphere at their home ground, AC Milan has managed to perform well recently, securing four consecutive wins at home in Serie A. Roma has struggled on the road, with only one win in 18 away matches and nine defeats.
Prediction: AC Milan 2 : 1 AS Roma
