One thing seems certain regarding the tie between AC Milan and Roma in the Europa League: there will be goals, and with it no shortage of drama.
This morning’s edition of Corriere dello Sport (via PianetaMilan) has a front page reading: ‘Wolves at San Siro. Europa League speaks Italian with Milan Roma. Superclash of 160 goals. In this season the Rossoneri scored 84 goals and the Giallorossi 76’.
As the paper writes, both the Rossoneri and the Giallorossi have been entertaining to watch this season and it feels like there is the guarantee of plenty of goals going in over the two legs, but who starts as the favourite and what could it mean for the future of the managers?
The bookmakers, as the paper adds, assign Milan as the favourites to qualify for the semi-final. The Rossoneri are currently in the best form of any Serie A team with seven consecutive wins across all competitions. Furthermore, the Rossoneri are unbeaten against Roma in nine games (six wins, three draws).
However, everything changed with Jose Mourinho’s dismissal because under De Rossi the Giallorossi amassed 26 points out of 33 available, only losing against Inter in that run of games and winning the derby last weekend.
It’s exactly the same pace as Pioli’s men, who were only beaten by Monza, also obtaining 26 points from the last 11 gaes. In short, in the last three months the two teams have been equal.
The Corriere also talks about the future of the two coaches and how this challenge could also be decisive for their respective futures at Milan and Roma.
The doubt would be more valid for Pioli, who might need to win the Europa League to stay, but De Rossi’s side start as underdogs and it feels like less pressure is on the tie for him.
0-0 it is then 🤣
I hope Milan Pulverizes them. Our team is better on paper. Roma haven’t met any difficult teams except Inter and Lazio in the league. They beat Feyenoord barely and Brighton confidently. But neither are on the same level as Milan who has beat PSG this season. And we are better now even.