The Rossoneri’s hectic January schedule wraps up in the capital with a pivotal clash on Matchday 22. The upcoming match between Roma and AC Milan holds significant importance for both Allegri’s team and Gasperini’s squad, who recently secured a key victory against Stuttgart in the Europa League, bringing them closer to a top-eight finish and the February playoffs. Throughout January, the Giallorossi have played every three days, including a Coppa Italia match against Torino that ended in a 3-2 defeat, leading to their elimination.
While we’ve already discussed their European and domestic cup performances, it’s in Serie A where Roma has truly made an impact early this season. With 14 wins and seven losses in 21 matches, the team has yet to draw in any competition. Even with Gasperini taking the helm after a decade in Bergamo, the Giallorossi are building on a strong second half of the 2024/25 season that was under Ranieri. As the teams prepare for this fixture, Roma sits in fourth place, while AC Milan is in second, just four points ahead. The **Roma vs. AC Milan** matchup promises high stakes, reminiscent of their intense previous encounter, making it a must-watch event.
THE BEST DEFENSE IN THE LEAGUE, UNBEATEN WHEN IN LEAD Our analysis of the Giallorossi begins with their defense. Thus far, no team has conceded fewer goals than Gasperini’s side, which has allowed only 12, while AC Milan and Fàbregas’ Como follow closely with 16. Even with key players like Ndicka and Hermoso missing games, substitutes have excelled in Gasperini’s trademark three-man defense. Upon closer inspection, Roma’s only defensive vulnerability lies in counter-attacks; a significant portion of the goals they’ve conceded this season (4 out of 12) have come from quick breaks by opponents. This issue arises in part due to the team’s aggressive high-pressing strategy.
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This season, Roma has excelled with their ability to regain possession in the attacking third (only Inter and Juventus have performed better), showcasing a clear vertical approach while retaining ball control. In fact, the Giallorossi rank fourth in Serie A for possession rate at 58%. Successfully managing a lead has proven crucial, as this week’s opponents tend to secure victories when taking the lead. However, concerns arise in their attacking performances: in six league outings (all 1-0 losses, including their visit to San Siro), Roma failed to score, making their total of 26 goals scored the lowest among the top six teams in the standings.
MALEN AIMS TO SHINE IN A ROMA TEAM WITH ABUNDANT ATTACKING OPTIONS There’s renewed optimism within the Roma camp regarding strengthening their attack for the rest of the season, largely thanks to the arrival of Donyell Malen. The Dutch international, who joined from Aston Villa, made an immediate contribution against Torino, opening the scoring and forming an effective partnership with Paulo Dybala. The Argentine World Cup winner has historically been a thorn in AC Milan’s side, having been involved in 13 career goals against them, and is now on the hunt for his first Serie A goal at the Olimpico since December 2024. He has found a good rhythm recently, starting all of Roma’s last six league matches.
Completing the attacking trio, there is competition between Soulé (who is set to make his 100th Serie A appearance) and Pellegrini, with close attention on Niccolò Pisilli, who is in fantastic form after scoring twice in Europe against Stuttgart. Keep an eye on the young Robinio Vaz, who is poised to make an impact off the bench after joining from De Zerbi’s Marseille. Additionally, there is focus on Mile Svilar, the top goalkeeper in Serie A with an impressive save percentage of 84% (the only keeper above 80%), as well as Brazilian full-back Wesley, who has created 22 chances across the first 21 league games, and Italian international Mancini, who scored his most recent Serie A goal in the last meeting between these two teams at the Olimpico on May 18.
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