AC Milan, having experienced a resurgence in recent years, is facing a disappointing season, falling behind in the race for European competition spots. They are currently 8 points away from the top 4 positions that secure Champions League qualification.
However, Milan remains in contention for the Round of 16 in Europe following a 2-1 win over Red Star Belgrade. Their Serie A form has been inconsistent, marked by a 2-1 loss to Atalanta, a 1-1 draw with Genoa, and a narrow 1-0 victory against Hellas Verona last week.
Roma, conversely, has had an even tougher season. After a shaky start, they have struggled to remain in the hunt for European competition. Nonetheless, since Claudio Ranieri took over, the team has shown signs of improvement, winning 2 out of their last 3 league games, with notable victories over Lecce (4-1), Como (2-0), and a 5-0 win against Parma last weekend. Roma also triumphed with a 4-1 victory over Sampdoria in the Italian Cup.
Milan is dealing with the absence of several key players, including Pulisic, who has 5 goals and 4 assists in Serie A, midfielders Loftus-Cheek and Musah, and striker Okafor.
Long-term injuries also keep Florenzi, Bennacer, and Jovic out of action. Additionally, captain Morata, who has 4 goals this season, and Leao, with 3 goals and 4 assists, are sidelined due to injuries.
Roma will be counting on striker Abraham, who has scored 2 goals in Serie A and 2 in the Champions League, and Dutch midfielder Reijnders, who netted the decisive goal in their win over Verona.
Prediction
Despite a subdued atmosphere at their home ground, AC Milan has recently excelled, securing four consecutive home victories in Serie A. Roma, on the other hand, has struggled in away games, with only one win in 18 matches and nine defeats.
Prediction: AC Milan 2 : 1 AS Roma
