AS Roma vs AC Milan: Preview

Undoubtedly, the most important match in Serie A this weekend takes place at the Olimpico in Rome. Third place AS Roma host second place AC Milan. Roma are three points behind Milan, who are in turn a further four behind, league leaders and defending champions Inter. Can Roma close the gap or will Milan become the only realistic challengers to Inter? After tonight’s game a lot of questions will be answered.

Roma are in superlative form in Serie A, unbeaten in the league since a 2-1 defeat to Udinese on 28th October 2009. Though a few recent results haven’t helped the Giallorossi. Two 3-2 defeats against Panathinaikos in the Europa League resulted in elimination from the competition and the last gasp equalizer from Marek Hamsik gave Napoli a well-deserved draw against Roma last weekend. So Claudio Ranieri will be looking to prove his sides title credentials against another of Italy’s form teams.

The derby hangover has well and truly been shaken off in Milanello. Leonardo’s men have notched up four consecutive victories in Serie A. A very fortuitous victory in Florence and defeat in the Champions League against Manchester United have show all Milan’s weaknesses, as if we didn’t know about them already.

With Roma very impressive at home, 11 victories from 13 games, it would take an almighty performance from Milan to get all three points. Though they are highly capable of such a display.

Roma should welcome back Luca Toni, who has been out with a calf problem, but David Pizarro is doubtful, along with Mexes, De Rossi and Perotta. Er Pupone, Francesco Totti has been ruled out as well.

Milan will have to cope with the absence of Pato who has a thigh injury. Not as bad as first feared it looks as if he will be out for at least 10 days. Former Roma winger looks likely to step into the void left by Pato and will hope to reproduce the form that made him so feared while in Rome. Gattuso is suspended, so David Beckham will probably step in to full Rino’s boots.

A very tight game will ensure with both side desperate for the points, Milan will look to Ronaldinho who has been in scintillating form and Roma could do with some Toni magic, if he can play to the level he was before his injury then Nesta will be in for a torrid evening.