Roma return to Serie A action on Monday night, looking to continue the winning run they extended to three games with victory in the Europa League over Young Boys in midweek.
With both teams having played in the European competition on Thursday, it’s back to league duties. Milan and Roma are two of the form sides in Serie A at present, so will be looking to give each other a good game.
After a couple of years away from the Champions League for Roma, and an even longer spell without that competition for Milan, both clubs are aiming to return to the elite this season.
They are both making decent attempts of it, too. Milan boast a 100 per cent record this season and Roma are still technically undefeated on the pitch.
Both clubs are seeing the benefits of using experienced players, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line for the Rossoneri and Edin Dzeko, of course, still being Roma’s star striker. They have six goals between them already this season, and will be essential to their respective sides’ hopes of winning.
Roma have not won at San Siro since 2017, having lost 2-0 to Milan last time they played each other. Therefore, they will have to be at their best to come away with the three points they desire.
The availability of Gianluca Mancini will be a boost to their hopes of doing so. The defender looked set to miss the game after testing positive for coronavirus through the week, but has since tested negative twice. Therefore, he will be available to play – potentially featuring in the back three alongside Roger Ibanez and Marash Kumbulla, who scored his first goal for the club in his most recent appearance.
Embed from Getty ImagesPaulo Fonseca is likely to make plenty of changes to his lineup again after rotating in midweek. One player who will definitely come back in is Antonio Mirante, who will replace Pau Lopez in goal.
Jordan Veretout, Leonardo Spinazzola and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are also candidates to come back in to the starting XI. Usually regulars, they all came on as substitutes against Young Boys.
However, Chris Smalling remains unavailable with a slight injury. He will likely have to wait until the next Europa League game to make his second debut for the club.
There is also a first senior call-up for Ruben Providence. The winger impressed when the Primavera thrashed Lazio 4-0 this weekend, so will join the first team for the trip.
Another player travelling for the first time is new signing Simone Farelli. The experienced Rome-born keeper joined the club recently as third choice, and has quickly received his first call-up, even though he is unlikely to play at all this season.
The game is occurring on the 15th anniversary of Francesco Totti’s iconic goal against Inter Milan at San Siro. Perhaps someone among the Roma ranks will take inspiration and produce their own memorable moment at the same venue.
#OnThisDay 15 years ago, Francesco #Totti scored this spectacular goal against Inter Milan at San Siro.
— Giallorossi Yorkshire (@RomaYorkshire) October 26, 2020
Earlier this year, it was voted as the best #ASRoma goal in Serie A since 2000.pic.twitter.com/HPYKtMrgZO
The game kicks off at 7:45pm UK time and will be available to watch live on Premier Sports 2.
Show your support by following Giallorossi Yorkshire on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Leave a Reply