AC MILAN V ROMA: DUELS

There's no better way to begin 2022 than with AC Milan v Roma. And as ever in one of these big matches, the on-field battle will see sparks fly - and we cannot way. There's no shortage of individual duels in the game at San Siro and we've selected the chief among them as we approach matchday 20 in Serie A.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ V TAMMY ABRAHAM
Zlatan is back. And Roma will need to be aware because he scored in the reverse fixure - the free-kick to open the scoring in the 2-1 win at the Olimpico - and more: Ibrahimović has scored eleven goals against the Giallorossi in Serie A and hasn't scored more against any other side in the division (level with his goals scored against Fiorentina). Furthermore, the Swede has scored multiple goals in more single matches in the top flight against Roma than against any other side (four, three with the Rossoneri). Our opponents' attack will by led by Tammy Abraham, who is another quality striker; level with Veretout, no Roma player has had a hand in more goals than the Englishman (nine, six goals and three assists). Tammy has, among his teammates, recorded the most shots on target (18) and off target (17).

RAFAEL LEÃO V NICOLÒ ZANIOLO
It would be difficult to find two quicker and more technical players than this duo. Both players can be key for their teams in terms of balance, drive, unpredictability, action and chance creation. Leão has been out for a month but should be available for selection and would be the surprise inclusion should he start. He loves to shoot and has scored four and assisted two in the league so far this season. For Zaniolo, meanwhile, AC Milan are one of two teams, against whom he has scored more than one goal in Serie A (two against both). However, he has never faced the Rossoneri at San Siro: the young star has made the difference in 2021/22 mostly for his attempted dribbles (70) and fouls drawn (34).

FIKAYO TOMORI V ROGER IBAÑEZ
Pioli and Mourinho set up their defences in different ways: four at the back for the Rossoneri and three for the Giallorossi. Their respective systems are supported by Tomori and Ibañez. Fikayo is the AC Milan player with the most passes completed (947), passes in his own half (667), duels (40), clearances (50), shots blocked (13) and interceptions (26) this season: a real giant then. Roger, meanwhile, is the Roma player with the most passes completed (1,089), passes in his own half (666), duels (32), clearances (57) and interceptions (32): a wall then. It's almost a photocopy and a similarity to look out for.

SANDRO TONALI V BRYAN CRISTANTE
Two young Italians of international stock. There will be an interesting meeting in midfield. Cristante will return to San Siro to take on his former club: he made his three appearances and scored his first goal in Serie A in the Rossoneri shirt in 2013/14. Bryan has also scored against the Rossoneri at the Meazza in the league: in December 2017 with Atalanta. In the current season, he has excelled in terms of passes in the opposition half (541, a team-high). Tonali will have more space and more responsibility given the absences of Kessie and Bennacer, who are away for the Africa Cup of Nations. This more prominent role comes after a brilliant first half of the season, one replete with substance and efficiency: Sandro often produces sublime crosses (67, a club-high this season).

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