ROMA v AC MILAN: OPPONENT REVIEW | OneFootball

The Rossoneri's busy January comes to a close in the capital, in one of the highlights of Matchday 22. Roma v AC Milan is just as crucial for Allegri's side as it is for Gasperini's, coming off an important win the Europa League over Stuttgart that brings them closer to a top-eight finish and the February playoffs. This month, the Giallorossi have played every three days, including a Coppa Italia clash against Torino that ended in a 3-2 defeat resulting in elimination.

We've already spoken about Europe, five wins and two losses so far, and the domestic cup, but it's in Serie A where Roma have really made their mark in the early months of the season. With 14 wins and seven losses in 21 games, the team hasn't recorded a single draw in any competition. Even under Gasperini, who arrived in Rome after nine years in Bergamo, the Giallorossi are building on the strong second half of the 2024/25 season under Ranieri. Going into the matchday, Roma are fourth and AC Milan second just four points ahead. Roma v AC Milan is high-stakes and given the intensity of the previous meeting, promises to be a must-watch. You won't want to miss it. 

THE BEST DEFENCE IN THE LEAGUE, UNBEATABLE WHEN THEY TAKE THE LEAD Our analysis of the Giallorossi starts at the back. So far, no team has conceded fewer goals than Gasperini’s defence, which has allowed just 12, with AC Milan and Fàbregas' Como next at 16. Even with key players like Ndicka and Hermoso missing games, everyone called upon has stepped up in Gasperini's trademark three-man backline. Looking closer, Roma's only real defensive weakness comes on the counter: a third of the goals they've conceded this season (4 out of 12) have come from opposition breakaways. This is partly due to the team's aggressive high-pressing style.

This season, Roma have stood out for their ability to win the ball in the attacking third (only Inter and Juventus have done better), showing a clear vertical approach while still maintaining control of the ball. In fact, the Giallorossi have the fourth-highest possession rate in Serie A at 58%. Managing a lead has also been key, as our opponents this week have always gone on to win once they take the lead. The attacking side of things, however, raises more concerns: in six league games (all 1-0 losses, including their trip to San Siro), Roma failed to find the net, and their 26 goals scored so far is the lowest among the top six teams in the standings.

MALEN LOOKS TO STAND OUT IN A ROMA SIDE WITH PLENTY OF ATTACKING OPTIONS There is hope in the Roma camp about boosting their attack for the rest of the season, much of it sparked by the arrival of Donyell Malen. The Dutch international, who joined from Aston Villa, made an immediate impact against Torino, opening the scoring and linking up brilliantly with Paulo Dybala. The Argentine World Cup winner, a constant thorn in AC Milan's side (he's been involved in 13 career goals against them), is chasing his first Serie A goal at the Olimpico since December 2024. He's also finding a good rhythm after a tricky start, starting all of Roma's last six league games.

Completing the attacking trio, there's a battle between Soulé (about to make his 100th Serie A appearance) and Pellegrini, but keep an eye on Niccolò Pisilli, in great form after his European brace against Stuttgart, and the young Robinio Vaz, ready to make an impact off the bench after arriving from De Zerbi's Marseille. There is also a spotlight on Mile Svilar, Serie A's top goalkeeper in terms of save percentage (84%, the only one over 80%), as well as Brazilian full-back Wesley, who has created 22 chances in the first 21 league games, and Italian international Mancini, who scored his most recent Serie A goal in the last meeting between these two sides at the Olimpico on May 18.

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