Following the disappointment in the Coppa Italia final, AC Milan have yet another task at Stadio Olimpico as Roma are up next in the league. Our preview tells you everything you need to know about the encounter.
Wednesday’s clash didn’t go quite to plan for the Rossoneri as, after a semi-decent first half, they completely failed to show any final-worthy character in the final 45 minutes. Bologna deservedly clinched the trophy and for Milan, the season is now fully to an end.
Of course, the European race still lives in the league but as Roma are the next opponents, fans are right to be pessimistic about achieving a positive result. Sergio Conceicao didn’t speak to the media either, although this was perhaps expected given the tight schedule.
Team news
Despite the loss in midweek, Milan are in very good form in Serie A currently, winning their past three games on the bounce, scoring two or more in each of them. Though, this means little in the wider context of things currently.
The 3-4-3, again barring that Coppa Italia loss, has been the light in a dark few months of the club, but we could see Conceicao be forced to shift from the formation which has brung him so much success in recent times, due to injuries.
Reports ahead of the game suggest that Theo Hernandez (thigh) and Kyle Walker (illness) will both miss the game, limiting the Portuguese’s options at full-back, so a makeshift change may be made, if not a complete system one.
Additionally, Warren Bondo and Samuel Chukwueze are not expected to make the trip, both missing the game through injury. It is a real shame for the former especially, who could have been given a rare chance to play with the season all but done.
It seems that the Portuguese gaffer is actually expected to continue with the three-back formation though, and work with the tools that he has available to him.
Mike Maignan leads the defensive line, whilst Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic should all keep their places in the backline – even after some questionable performances on Wednesday night.
Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana retain their places in midfield again, with both hoping to show more than they did in midweek. Alex Jimenez will be moved to the left-hand side, in place of Theo, whilst Yunus Musah earns a rare start at right-wingback.
The opponents
To learn a bit more about Milan’s opponents for the game in the capital, we spoke to Samuel Bannister who covers Roma for Giallorossi Yorkshire and has also covered the women’s team for the official website.
Since that game in December which saw Paulo Fonseca sacked, Roma have gone from strength to strength. Why has Ranieri’s return been such a fairytale?
“If you’d have told any Roma fan even back then in December where we’d be now, I don’t think anyone would have believed it. When he took charge, Roma were four points above the relegation zone, 12 games in.
“Until last weekend, he had us on a 19-game unbeaten run in the league, which hadn’t happened since all the way back in his first spell in charge. Ranieri has always been a beloved figure at this club and the fact that it’s him inspiring this kind of form – and especially with it being right at the end of his career – has made it a special second half of the season.”
Tactically, has Ranieri done anything in particular which has brought more out of the team?
“By and large he’s stuck with a back three, but it’s been more settled and his choices have usually been sensible. For example, Angeliño was sometimes playing as a left centre-back before, but Ranieri ruled that out straight away and he’s been one of Roma’s best players as a wing-back.
“More recently, since Dybala’s injury, he’s gone with two strikers with Dovbyk and Shomurodov starting alongside each other. The latter’s more mobile than the former so that’s helped as a pairing.”
Is there a genuine belief that a top four spot is now possible?
“Possible? Yes. Likely? Maybe not… But just to be in contention is incredible. The European places are so congested at the moment, all it takes is one good or bad result to change everything.
“If Roma had gone for it a bit more against Juventus and Lazio, both of which were draws last month, we could have been in command. But it’s not something to kick ourselves too much about.
“We shouldn’t have been anywhere near. There’s still an outside chance we can sneak in but it’ll require a favour.”
What are the feelings ahead of 2025-26, given Ranieri is stepping upstairs?
“To be honest, still mixed until we get some clarity over who’s replacing him (I’ve been trying to put that to the back of my mind and just enjoy the form under Ranieri, but the closer we get to the summer the harder that becomes).
“Some of the candidates that have been linked aren’t the most inspiring. But what this whole spell has proven is that there’s a base of decent players in the squad to build from. As I mentioned in December, last summer’s transfer window was a bit all over the place.
“This year we should be looking for two or three tweaks to help the new coach kick on and match their vision. But Ranieri’s definitely set up a platform and his advice will be useful to call upon – depending on how much weight it’s given.”
Are there any injuries or other absences, and what is your predicted XI?
“As well as Dybala who’s been out since March, the captain Pellegrini is out for the rest of the season too. Other than that, anyone who’d normally be looking to start is available. I’d expect the lineup to be quite similar to what we’ve seen recently.
“In a 3-4-1-2: Svilar, Çelik, Mancini, Ndicka, Saelemaekers, Cristante, Koné, Angeliño, Soulé, Dovbyk, Shomurodov. Instead of Saelemaekers some still expect it to be Rensch, but he didn’t play well in the last game. He might even put Soulé as the right wing-back and put another body in midfield like Pisilli.”
UPDATE: Dovbyk is now a doubt with a muscle problem.
Predicted Roma XI (3-4-1-2): Svilar; Çelik, Mancini, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Cristante, Koné, Angeliño; Soulé; Baldanzi, Shomurodov.
