AC Milan and Roma will both go into Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg full of confidence after two big wins over the weekend.
Milan made it seven wins in a row across all competitions with a 3-0 victory against Lecce at San Siro yesterday, with Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao all getting their name on the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, Roma beat Lazio in the evening kick-off as Gianluca Mancini’s header from a Paulo Dybala corner proved enough to give De Rossi a victory on his Derby della Capitale debut as a head coach.
De Rossi was interview by DAZN after the game was asked about the immediate future for him and his side, namely the first of two matches with Milan in the Europa League quarter-finals scheduled for Thursday evening at 21:00 CEST at San Siro.
“I have my staff who forbid me from watching the teams we will face next time, there is this agreement and for now it has worked,” he said (via Radio Rossonera).
“I know Milan. We’ve seen them 1000 times and we’ll be preparing it from this evening, but a little lighter, a little more relaxed.”
Roma have been resurgence under the former midfielder, but they go into the European tie 13 points behind Milan in the league, something which makes the Rossoneri favourites.
I’m not worried about Roma generally speaking. I think we will progress but in a tighter game.
My concern is lack Tomori in defense, especially in transition. Gabbia has been solid overall but questions will be asked of Thiaw because he’s not a good 1v1 defender (as we’ve seen) and marking the likes of Abraham/Lukaku or even Dybs will be daunting task. Lukaku especially holds up the ball well as Roma press forward.
Pioli would be wise to set up his best defensive midfield presence to help in transition.
It will be Gabbi pairing with Kjear.. he had a decent game againt lecce.