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The excitement is building up in Rome as AS Roma gets ready to face AC Milan for the second match of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals this Thursday at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma managed a close 1-0 win in the first game at San Siro, making this upcoming game even more crucial. Itβs more than just a game between two top Italian teams; it's a key match that could shape their entire season.
Roma has been playing with a lot of focus and strategy in the Europa League this season. Their strong defense helped them win the first game against Milan, and they will need to keep up that solid performance to advance to the semi-finals for the fourth time in the last four seasons.
On the other hand, AC Milan has had a mixed season. Theyβve done well but have missed some chances, especially in the Italian league, Serie A, where they are currently second, just behind Inter Milan. With the Serie A title looking difficult, Milan is putting a lot of their effort into winning the Europa League, a title they have never won despite their long history of success in European competitions.
Considering the high stakes of the match and the solid defensive records of both teams, a low-scoring game is probable.
The betting tip is...
Less than 2.5 goals to be scored
63 %
37 %
Roma enters this critical match in strong form, unbeaten in their last four games, with three wins and a draw. However, they face a challenging history against Milan at the Stadio Olimpico, where their last four meetings have resulted in three wins for Milan and one draw.Β
Roma will likely be without Sardar Azmoun, who is expected to miss the game. On the brighter side, Evan Ndicka, who was absent in the first leg, could return to the starting lineup to join Gianluca Mancini in central defense.
Paulo Dybala, having been rested in Roma's last game over the weekend, should be fresh and ready to play under coach Daniele De Rossi. It is anticipated that there wonβt be many changes to the Roma team that started in the first leg against Milan.
Sardar Azmoun will not be part of the match and is likely to be replaced by Dybala
Predicted Lineup: Rui Patricio, Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez, Karsdorp, Veretout, Pellegrini, Dybala, Vina, Zaniolo, Abraham
For the upcoming second leg, Milan will aim for a strategy that combines assertive attacking with strong defensive play to prevent Roma from capitalizing on counter-attacks. Milan might focus on using the wings effectively, especially through Samuel Chukwueze, who has proven his ability to penetrate tough defenses. This match presents Milan with a chance to turn their season around and possibly set the stage for future success.
Milan's coach, Stefano Pioli, is tasked with crafting a strategy that boosts the team's attacking strength while maintaining defensive security. Rafael Leao, known for his speed and skill in taking on defenders, will be crucial for breaking through Romaβs defense.
Fikayo Tomori, who was unavailable for the first leg due to suspension, is expected to return and start with Matteo Gabbia as the central defender. There are likely to be few changes from the Milan team that started at San Siro, with Yacine Adli possibly being the only new addition to the starting lineup, alongside the returning Tomori.
Milan will be without Pierre Kalulu, Alejandro JimΓ©nez, and Tommaso Pobega, who are all sidelined due to injuries.
Predicted Lineup: Maignan, Florenzi, Gabbia, Kalulu, Hernandez, Tonali, Krunic, Messias, Diaz, Rafael Leao, Giroud.
Given both teamsβ current form and strategies, the match is likely to be tightly contested with a strong tactical battle. Romaβs solid defense and the advantage of playing at home could see them narrowly maintaining their lead.
We expect a draw in the second leg which means Roma will make it to the semis.
