TIME MACHINE: ROMA v AC MILAN | OneFootball

Rome versus Milan is, in sporting terms one of the most passionate rivalries between two cities in Italy. The next chapter will be played in the capital, at the Stadio Olimpico: Roma v AC Milan, a historic, demanding and fascinating fixture. As the match approaches, we look back twenty years to 20 March 2005, Matchday 29 of that Serie A season.

There was contrast not only in the rivalry, but also in the form of the two sides. Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan arrived top of the table (level on points with Juventus), on a seven-match winning run in the league, though fresh from Coppa Italia elimination at the hands of Udinese. Roma, meanwhile, sat seventh and had already made their third managerial change of the season, turning to Bruno Conti after spells under Prandelli, Völler and Delneri. In the cup, however, they had just edged past Fiorentina on penalties and would go on to reach the final.

The first half was a stalemate, with the two teams cancelling each other out. After the break, AC Milan took control. Just after the hour mark, a cross from the left by Kaladze found Crespo at the far post: he rose above Panucci and powered home a header for 0–1. It was a mirror image – another contrast – of the goal he had scored just twelve days earlier against Manchester United, that time from a Cafu cross on the right. The Rossoneri's second came from the spot, Pirlo converting after a red-card “save” by Panucci, who blocked yet another Crespo header with his arm. Three points and a further surge of confidence for AC Milan, who would go on to dominate Inter in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in their very next outing.

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