As the mid-season break comes to an end in Italy, AC Milan and Roma lock horns for the second time this season.

The timing of this clash could not have been better for Milan. The return of key players from injuries, including Zlatan Imbrahimovic, Rafael Leao, and Ante Rebic adds serious firepower to the Rossoneri line-up. On the other end, Ismael Bennacer, Franck Kessie and Fode Ballo-Toure have departed to link up with their national sides for the AFCON, leaving Stefano Piolo with less options in the middle of the park.

As for away side Roma, Lorenzo Pelligrini returns to bolster the attacking duo of Tammy Abraham and Nicolo Zaniolo. Borja Mayoral and Chris Smalling are doubtful starters as it is believed that they are 2 of the 3 Roma men to be down with infection. Ebrima Darboe and Amadou Diawara are also unavailable after jetting off for the AFCON.

This match will be a crucial one in 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝟲 for Italy’s top flight. As AC Milan trail neighbours Inter Milan by 4 points, and are only 3 points ahead of Napoli, a win against Roma at home will pay dividends, not only keeping their title chances well and alive, but also breaking the streak of poor performances in their own backyard.

Quite the opposite, Roma has had little luck in their away games this season, losing 12 away games in 2021, their worst record since 1950. That is, however, bolstered by their impressive form at home. Jose Mourinho will be hoping to at least temporarily leapfrog Juventus who currently sit in 5th with a win ahead of their showdown with Juve in Rome on Monday.

When both sides met for the first time this season, the outcome was a 2-1 win for AC Milan, albeit in controversial fashion, with some seriously atrocious refereeing arguably tilting the playing field. This time, as they meet on Milan soil against a Milan squad that is as strong as it could be, the outlook does not look good for The Special One’s men.

Our verdict? A 2-0 victory for AC Milan at home.