Preview: Roma vs. AC Milan Women – Background, prediction and how to watch

By Steph Insixiengmay -

After their humbling defeat in the Coppa Italia, the AC Milan Women are looking to bounce back this weekend when they take on AS Roma in the league.

Kick-off will be at 16:30 CET, and here’s an overview of what you need to know before the match…

The background

Milan and Roma have already met twice this season. Their first match was back in October and it ended in a 1-1 stalemate. They then met in a Supercoppa Femminile final qualifier back in January, when the game ended in a surprise 2-1 victory for the Rossonere.

The first-ever encounter between the two sides also ended with the same scoreline. The two teams first met back in December of 2018 and Milan won that game. The clubs have met a total of nine times in league and cup play and Roma has never beaten Milan during a full 90-minute game.

However, Roma currently hold the coveted second spot on the Serie A table. The Milan Women have experienced turmoil over these past few weeks, and that upheaval has affected their on-the-field play.

Though the Rossonere hold a historic advantage over the Giallorosse, they will have a mountain to climb if they are to beat them. Fortunately for the former, help seems to be on the way.

Key players 

Milan will have their ranks bolstered by the return of both Alia Guagni and Celeste Bourielle. As was noted before, Guagni was rested for the match against Juve to help her be ready for this game. The return of the experienced and strong Guagni should bolster Milan’s defence, which were in complete shambles against Juventus.

Refiloe Jane also missed that Coppa Italia game due to injury. There is no word on her current condition.

In addition to the previously mentioned Guagni, expect Christy Grimshaw to be one of the key players for the Rossonere. The Scottish midfielder has grown during her time here and has become an important figure for the team. Grimshaw will need to put on another good performance on Saturday if Milan are to win this game. Laura Giuliani will also have to lick her wounds and put on a big performance to keep Roma at bay.

The match will also see former Roma player, Lindsey Thomas, suit up against her old team. The Frenchwoman failed to find her scoring boots during Milan’s last game. She’s gonna have to rediscover them and help put her old club to the sword.

Milan’s adversaries for this weekend also have several, potent weapons in their arsenal. Among them are forwards Annamaria Serturini and Benedetta Glionna, along with their diminutive midfielder, Giada Greggi. Greggi put on a fantastic performance against Juventus during their last league encounter. One should not be surprised if she replicates the same performance against Milan.

Adding to their potent offense and midfield are players Andresa, Paloma Lázaro, and Manuela Giugliano. Giugliano is also a former AC Milan player.

And though they recently lost defender Allyson Swaby to Angel City FC, the team still has a strong defense. It is fortified by captain Elisa Bartoli, Italy international Elena Linari, and Lucia Di Guglielmo. They also have another former Milan player, Camelia Ceasar, in goal. Overall, the Rossonere are going to have to work together as a unit to contain all of the power that Roma has.

Prediction

Once again, it’s hard to see Milan winning this match. Given everything the team is going through at the moment, it’s tough to be optimistic for this game. This game will either end in a frustrating stalemate or the Rossonere might lose to Roma for the first time in 90 minutes of play.

How to watch

If you live in Italy, the game will be shown on TimVision and Milan TV. If you live in the US, the UK, Ireland, and Germany. It will be shown on Ata Football. The game will also be the FIGC’s featured Match of the Week and streamed without restrictions on La7.

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