Rome, Italy — This Sunday, May 18, at 20:45 CEST, AC Milan will face AS Roma at the iconic Stadio Olimpico, looking to redeem themselves after a bitter defeat in the Coppa Italia final. Following a late comeback win against Bologna in Serie A, Milan’s hopes for a Champions League spot are still alive despite their midweek setback.
Milan coach Sergio Conceicao expressed frustration after watching his team struggle against Bologna after a strong first half, ultimately losing the final 1-0. ‘We started well but didn’t do enough after they scored,’ Conceicao reflected. Star players Joao Felix and Rafael Leao faced criticism for lacklustre performances in crucial moments.
Milan fans are banned from attending this crucial fixture due to recent misbehavior at the stadium, adding more pressure on the squad. With a recent 2-1 loss to Atalanta still fresh in their minds, Milan’s challenge against a strong Roma side looms large.
Roma has been on a roll, winning nine out of their last eleven home league games, including marquee victories against rivals Lazio and Fiorentina. That form has many believing they could challenge for a top-four finish this season. As home coach Claudio Ranieri leads team discussions, confidence is high despite a disappointing draw against Juventus last weekend.
Milan, however, has performed well on the road, claiming four victories in their last five away fixtures. Yet the emotional toll from the Coppa Italia final may have left them vulnerable. ‘We need to channel our energy right to avoid any more slip-ups,’ a Milan player commented.
Motivation will play a crucial role this weekend, particularly with struggling teams and relegation battles affecting performance levels. Roma’s recent victory against Parma demonstrates their potential, while Empoli’s fluctuating form raises questions about their chances against Monza, who themselves aim to play without pressure.
AC Milan’s hopes hinge on performances from key players. Despite injuries affecting formations, Conceicao plans to maintain his 3-4-3 set-up. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan will regroup a defensive unit featuring Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia.
The tactical battle intensifies with Roma’s attacking duo Dovbyk and Shomurodov promising fireworks against a weakened Milan defense. Fans are eager to see if Rafael Leao can finally deliver in a big moment, as his track record against strong opponents raises questions.
As both sides prepare for the 202nd meeting, stats hint that Milan boasts more wins historically with 83 victories to Roma’s 53. Each match up is punctuated by the tension, evidenced by their previous encounter ending in a 1-1 draw.
Notable records show Milan is unbeaten in their last ten fixtures against Roma, highlighting the weight of expectation. For both teams, a win could define their season, sparking a thrilling competition at Stadio Olimpico.
As the clock ticks closer to kickoff, fans remain anxious: will Milan rebound strong enough to uphold their Champions League aspirations, or will Roma solidify their surge in the standings? The answer unfolds on Sunday.
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