The long season continues for various clubs across the globe amid the global pandemic. Serie Matchday 24 now meets us as the Rossoneri head the Stadio Olimpico to take on AS Roma. Both teams are coming off the Europa League round of 32 knockout stages in which the two Italian giants managed to advance to the next round respectfully. Milan will take on Manchester United for the round of 16 while Roma will take on Shakhtar Donetsk.
In the Serie A table standings, Milan sits in second place with 49 points four points behind rivals Inter Milan and Roma sits in 4th with 44 points. This fixture will be a huge one, whichever side wins has a solid patch to keep them in the race for a top-four finish at the end of the season. The Rossoneri cannot afford a loss they have lost their last two Serie A games and haven't managed to find a convincing win in 3 weeks. Milan winning would make a statement to keep them in the running for Champions League football next season which they desire immensely, ultimately a win also extends their lead over the other Serie A giants that are chasing the red and black faithful. Pioli has to get this huge matchup right and here is how his team could appear:
Milan: G. Donnarumma, Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Hernandez, Kessié, Tonali; Saelemakers, Çalhanoğlu, Rebić (Leão), Ibrahimović
Captain Alessio Romagnoli has been struggling this season ever since recovering from his calf injury, he and Simon Kjaer will be partnered to hold down Milan's backline. The duo must be aware of Roma's ability on the counter-attack Henrikh Mhkyitaryan will be looking to grab a goal or an assist for the Giallorossi as he and Hakan Çalhanoğlu are both tied at the assist leader board with 8 a piece. Sandro Tonali will be called up again and the young promising midfielder looks to be growing more and more with the Rossoneri squad a good performance from him with Franck Kessié controlling the midfield can help lead Milan to victory. Hakan Çalhanoğlu must perform and forget the last couple of performances behind him if he wants Milan to meet his demands for his contract renewal that he seeks.
Pioli and his men will be hungry for a win all the players must play to their strengths to bring a victory to the red and black faithful fan base.