AC MILAN v ROMA: THE BRIEFING

For the third consecutive year, AC Milan and Roma face each other in January at San Siro. The Sunday, 14 January, 20:45 CET match marks the start of the second half of the season for both teams, representing an opportunity for redemption and to secure valuable points in a direct clash for both the table and prestige. The upcoming game promises to be balanced and challenging, with potential turning points hinging on details and key factors. Here are three aspects identified in our pre-match Briefing.

MANAGEMENT OF MOMENTS
Both AC Milan and Roma seek a comeback after defeats in the Coppa Italia. They both enter the match at the San Siro  with a strong first half of the season, both ranking in the top three for goals scored (AC Milan second with 35, Roma third with 31). Analyzing the first 19 matches reveals significant differences. AC Milan excel as the best team for goals scored in the first half, particularly with 21 goals, including two against Empoli. In contrast, Roma have been more prolific in the last quarter of the game; 48% of their goals, including recent ones away against Sassuolo, came after the 76th minute. A fast start, common in Serie A, may not be sufficient. Pioli's lads will need to focus and more importanly, effective management of different moments throughout the 90 minutes. Substitutes entering the game will be crucial in this regard.

CAPITALISING ON OPPORTUNITIES
AC Milan and Roma not only boast two of the top three attacks in the league but, they also exhibit high efficiency in converting clear goal-scoring opportunities. No one does better than the Rossoneri and the Giallorossi when it comes to converting clear goal-scoring chances. While both teams achieve this, they do so in different ways. Pioli and Mourinho's lads have different ways of capitalising on their chances: on one hand, AC Milan lean towards greater vertical attacks (with 41 direct attacks in the first 19 games), while Roma demonstrate a dangerous proficiency in set-pieces, utilising physicality and height (eight headed goals in Serie A for the Romans). These different styles come into comparison in 90 minutes that promise to be highly tactical and pressure filled, between teams that tend not to leave much space for opposing initiatives. Capitalising on every opportunity will be crucial, especially against Roma, who concede the fewest shots in Serie A.

GIROUD AND LUKAKU, CRUCIAL BEYOND SCORING
The duel between the two forwards is one of the individual clashes to keep an eye on in the match at the San Siro. On one side, the number 9 for the Rossoneri, who has a positive track record in previous encounters against the Giallorossi - as evidenced by the goal in the first leg - is well-supported with Leão and Pulisic on the flanks. On the other hand, the Belgian, who made his debut with Mourinho's side in the Roma v AC Milan match in September, has scored in all four Serie A games played as a starter against the Rossoneri. For Lukaku, there is uncertainty about his strike partner, with Dybala attempting to recover from an injury, meaning Belotti will be ready to step in if needed. With 17 goals between them this season, the importance of Giroud and Lukaku in the match at the San Siro will not only be just from a scoring perspective. In a match of great physical intensity, the two offensive pillars might be asked to contribute to the build-up play, turning the duel into an immediate comparison against two very different defenses.

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