After a poor run that had me questioning everything from my strategy to my snack choices, I’m working myself back into a winning mode. And there’s no better way to trigger that positive wave than to dig into one of Serie A’s most crucial showdowns this season: AS Roma vs. AC Milan. Two really big clubs, two different vibes right now - but both sides still clinging on to their Champions League dreams.
Let’s start with Roma, a team that’s maybe flown slightly under the radar compared to the two Milan clubs and Juventus but has steadily done the business this season. Somewhere I read this description of Roma, Quietly Consistent, Quietly Dangerous. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Roma are currently sitting in the fourth place of the Serie A and are looking to seal their return to the Champions League. And with just two rounds remaining, it’s now or never.
If Roma’s season has been a slow-burning thriller, AC Milan’s has been more like a rollercoaster without brakes. At times brilliant, at times baffling, they now find themselves four points off the top four with two games to go. It’s simple math now—win or wave goodbye to the Champions League for next season.
As always, there’s plenty going on behind the scenes. Whispers continue about Conceição’s uncertain future, despite the team recently claiming silverware in the Supercoppa and reaching the Coppa Italia final. A strong end to the season is probably just what is needed to buy him another year. In terms of squad available, Milan isn’t at full strength. Emerson Royal is a doubt, and both Warren Bondo and Riccardo Sottil are likely to miss out. That said, the core of the team is intact—and the attacking firepower is very much there.
In terms of squad, there are maybe even bigger concerns for the Giallorossi. The major absentees are big ones - Dybala and Pellegrini, both sidelined with injuries. But other than that, the coach has a strong and balanced squad to work with. The depth has been key for them all season, and they’ll need it again tonight against a Milan side that is both wounded and wildly unpredictable.
Conclusion: The last five meetings between these sides have been as tight as you’d expect: two wins each and a draw. It’s always a battle of fine margins, often decided by a moment of brilliance or a costly lapse. Given what's at stake and how evenly matched these sides are, we can expect nothing less than a fierce contest at the Olimpico stadium. And, I think that having to do without two of the players that can deliver the unexpected, Roma is one the losing end. Apart from the set-back in the Coppa Italia final, Milan hasn’t delivered any blows to my predictions for quite a while. And I think they will manage to continue to cling to the small straw that keeps them dreaming of Europe the coming season. Let’s go for another win for AC Milan!
