With the first midweek round now over, we return to action earlier than usual this season due to Milan’s absence from European competitions.
The draw in Bergamo against Ivan Juric’s team already feels distant, because tomorrow night a side sitting at the top of the table (along with Napoli) will arrive at San Siro, riding the momentum of recent positive results.
Roma, with 7 wins and 2 losses, have not drawn a single match and hold the best defense in the league, while their attack ranks only 11th with 10 goals scored. It is easy to see where Gasperini’s team draws its strength from: their defense. Roma have never conceded more than one goal in a league match, have won four games 1-0, and lost both defeats by the same score.
Where the match will be decided:
Looking at these numbers and considering Milan’s current issues in attack, scoring will be difficult. Nkunku and Gimenez have yet to find the net in Serie A, and Leao, if he starts, is far from his best form, as Allegri also admitted in his pre-match press conference. Recovering clean sheets, something lost in the last three games, will be crucial, as relayed via Milan News. That is likely where the match will be decided. Based on the data, it will be a tight contest, few goals, and one might be enough to take all three points. Milan have conceded in three consecutive matches, despite early-season signs suggesting a solid defensive unit. Once again, it comes back to the coach’s emphasis on defense.
Tomorrow, the attacking phase will matter, but the defensive one may matter even more, because as mentioned, small details could decide victory or defeat. The almost certain absence of Fikayo Tomori will weigh heavily. Although tests ruled out knee problems, he has a large thigh swelling, and his availability will be assessed today, though Allegri said it looks unlikely. De Winter will therefore replace the Englishman. After a shaky first start against Pisa, he will be expected to deliver a much more convincing and solid performance, because tomorrow, more than ever, it will be essential.
