Juventus are on top of the Serie A table enjoying a seven-point lead after their win over Torino on Sunday, but only four points separate the next five teams in the league. Roma and AC Milan, who have both accumulated 32 points so far, can close the gap on Juventus with a win as the two teams are set for a crucial encounter at Stadio Olimpico on Monday.
Roma are just ahead of AC Milan with their superior goal difference, and things could change with today's result. The two teams have shown great form in the Serie A. Roma have won three of their last four matches, including their massive win over rivals Lazio in their last encounter, while Milan are unbeaten in their last four matches.
With both the teams coming into this game in confident mood, a cracker of a game is on the cards. Roma will be without some key players including Mohamed Salah, Leandro Paredes and Alessandro Florenzi, but Stephan El Shaarawy, who is one of their big names, should feature in the match against Milan, strengthening their team.
With Shaarawy, players like Edin Dzeko and Radja Nainggolan could be even more effective, and poise problems to Milan. These players know that they will be tightly marked, hence other players like De Rossi and Kevin Strootman needs to play an active role in the match. Dzeko has been a quality player for Roma, and manager Luciano Spalleti sang praise for the striker ahead of the clash.
"This year, that little bit extra we have is what Edin [Dzeko] gives us. He is a strong and physical target up front, who can hold the ball. He's able to combine physicality with technique. Last year we were more compact. In both cases there are pros and cons. I prefer the team like this, with a bit of physicality in there," Roma's official website quoted Spalleti as saying.
It remains to be seen how Milan will handle the physical demands of the game. Roma will not give much space to Milan players, and the visitors have to find that extra space and movement off the ball to be effective. They have the ammunitions to wriggle past defenders and score goals to seal the match as well.
For that to happen, they need Suso and M'Baye Niang to shine against Roma in their offensive line. Milan manager Vincenzo Montellal knows that the clash is not going to be easy against Roma, which will lead to some tough midfield battles as well.
"It has been a long week which tomorrow will end with a very important match. It won't be easy since they are a really strong side and are coming off a great stretch. Roma have an excellent manager and will fight to win the title. It's really satisfying to have the chance to play this game being second in the table and I would like my team to enjoy this clash, playing happy," AC Milan's official website quoted Montella as saying.
Where to watch live
AS Roma vs AC Milan is scheduled to kick off at 9 pm local time (1.30 am IST, 3 pm EST, 8 pm GMT)
INDIA: TV: Sony Six/HD. Live streaming: Sonyliv.
UK: TV: BT Sport 2. Live streaming: BT Sport Live
USA: TV: Bein Sports, RAI International. Live streaming: Bein Sports Connect
ITALY: TV: Sky Calcio 1,PremiumSport HD. Live streaming: Sky Go Italia
