ROMA v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

After two consecutive wins in the opening games of Serie A, the Rossoneri are now waiting on a real test: Roma v AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico. A delicate away game to be approached with as much skill as possible, against a team and their fans searching for their first win of the season. Discover what could be the possible keys to our match against the Giallorossi. 

INJURY TIME
In the two draws against Roma last season, 2-all at home and 1-all away, five goals were scored after the 75th minute and three were even scored after the 90th. In the 2022/23 Serie A season, of the 50 goals scored by Roma, 30% (15) arrived between the 76th minute and the final whistle. This denotes a very clear aspect of Mourinho's team: never giving up, as evidenced in the comeback against Salernitana on matchday 1 and in the quasi-comeback against Verona in the second game. The Giallorossi are experts at exploiting situations, especially from set pieces, and in the final stages of an even match, they demonstrate that they are dangerous. Maximum attention will be required by the Rossoneri, who have proven to be equally as dangerous in the final stages of games (15 goals like the Giallorossi in 2022/23, 23% of the total).

THE LOFTUS-CHEEK FACTOR
In the victory over Torino, Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s role as part of the Rossoneri tactical set-up grew more and more evident. The former Chelsea player made an important contribution on the right wing, both in keeping back the ball and in offensive play, setting up the assist for Pulisic and having a great chance to score in the second half. His ability to play in both phases of the game by combining his quality and physicality could put Roma in difficulty, especially in a match that could be closed off, physical and very difficult to unlock. In terms of Cristante's side, the Giallorossi could start two very technical wingers such as Pellegrini and Aouar, who could offer little coverage, and therefore getting inside and wrestling away the ball, specialities of Ruben's game, could help break the deadlock at the Stadio Olimpico.

ROSSONERI ON THE OFFENCE
The wins against Bologna and Torino have highlighted a ‘new’ offensive side to AC Milan’s game, capable of creating lots of chances even against solid defences.  What was a weak point in the previous season could actually become a new weapon: short passes, constant looking to play off each other, and a high position of the two fullbacks. Like against the Granata, a side historically very closed and organised in defence, the Rossoneri must look to exploit every offensive option at the Stadio Olimpico to break through Mourinho’s back line. After losing Ibañez in the summer, Llorente moved into the defensive back three, but the Giallorossi conceded four goals in their first two games without really giving away many chances: for this reason, it is reasonable to expect an even more focused team who won’t allow the Rossoneri any space.

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