Serie A Preview: Roma - Milan

A hugely crucial and entertaining game is in store in Rome.

Mar 5, 2010 8:57:00 AM

By Mondal Subhankar

More On :  AS Roma, Milan
Daniele De Rossi - Milan-Roma (Getty Images)

Kick Off: Saturday, March 6, 2010, 20:45 CET.
Stadio Olimpico, Rome.


Picking Themselves Up

Roma have been struggling of late and have been dropping points and losing matches too. They lost both legs in their Europa League tie against Panathinaikos and drew 2-2 with Napoli in Naples last weekend. In their previous league match, they had narrowly defeated Catania 1-0 and the suspicion is that the Giallorossi have lost their sheen in recent weeks.

At the moment Roma are third in the league standings with 51 points from 26 matches, three points behind second-placed Milan and a further four off Inter, who lead the table. Coach Ranieri is probably not very keen on winning the Scudetto this campaign but he will certainly like to finish second.

However, a defeat on Saturday night could just put flight to that dream as Milan will go a massive seven points clear of the Giallorossi. But Roma do have a great record at the Stadio Olimpico as they have won 11 of the 13 league fixtures in front of their own supporters.

Trimming The Gap

Milan received a huge boost on Thursday when it was announced that star striker Alexandre Pato will be back for their Champions League clash with Manchester United. Although the Brazilian international hitman is out for Saturday night's fixture with Roma, this piece of news will certainly increase their motivation and confidence.

Milan are currently second in Serie A with 54 points from 26 matches, four points off the pace. Last weekend the Rossoneri comfortably defeated Atalanta 3-1 at home and in the league game prior to that scored two late goals to defeat Fiorentina 2-1 in Florence.

Leonardo's side have looked good away from home too as they have won seven out of 13 league games on the roads.

 

FORM GUIDE

Roma

February 28 v Naples (A) - DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

February 25 v Panathinaikos (H) - LOST 3-2 (Europa League)

February 21 v Catania (H) - WON 1-0 (Serie A)

February 18 v Panathinaikos (A) - LOST 3-2 (Europa League)

February 13 v Palermo (H) - WON 4-1 (Serie A)

Milan

February 28 v Atalanta (H) - WON 3-1 (Serie A)

February 24 v Fiorentina (A) - WON 2-1 (Serie A)

February 22 v Bari (A) - WON 2-0 (Serie A)

February 16 v Manchester United (H) - LOST 3-2 (Champions League)

February 12 v Udinese (H) - WON 3-2 (Serie A)

 

TEAM NEWS

Roma

Totti is a confirmed absentee while Mexes, Perrotta and De Rossi look doubtful.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Julio Sergio, Burdisso, Mexes, Juan, Riise; Pizarro, De Rossi; Taddei, Perrotta, Vucinic; Toni

Milan

Onyewu, Seedorf, Antonini and Pato are unavailable for the trip to Rome while Seedorf and Thiago Silva have injury concers. Gattuso is suspended.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Abbiati, Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Jankulovski; Flamini, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Mancini, Borriello, Ronaldinho

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luca Toni (Roma)

The giant Italian international striker has been suffering with injuries recently but is set to start against Milan. Toni has scored twice in four league appearances for the Giallorossi since joining them from Bayern Munich on loan in January. The former Fiorentina striker has the experience of playing in Serie A and against a Milan defense that does not always look very confident, the 32-year-old will be hoping to score a goal.

Ronaldinho (Milan)

The Brazilian was again at the heart of all moves that Milan created against Atalanta last weekend and gave two assists in their 3-1 win. At the moment Ronaldinho, placed at 316 in the Castrol Rankings, has nine goals and 12 assists to his name and he is having a sensational and rejuvenatory campaign this term. His link-up plays and through balls could destroy Roma on Saturday night.

 

PREDICTION

Roma's home form suggests that they will not be beaten but Milan are in a great run of results at the moment and they know that a victory could put them just a solitary point off the top should Inter lose on Sunday. Moreover, with Totti out, the hosts will find it difficult to create chances and creating chances is something that Milan and Ronaldinho excel in.

Roma 1-2 Milan

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