AC Milan vs. AS Roma: Serie A match

On December 30, 2024By Littum

With 2024 almost over, it’s safe to say that this year has been a bit of a mixed bag for AS Roma. the good? The rise of people like Niccolo Pisilli and Mile Svilar. The bad one? Well… almost everything else. That’s all you can say when a club like Roma has four managers in a calendar year.

Given that, I don’t feel completely crazy for having hope heading into 2025. Nor is that hope based solely on visions of January transfers and out-of-nowhere turnarounds; it is based on newer form. Despite a dreadful 2-0 loss to Como, Roma have been on something of a hot streak since the calendar turned to December, with the Giallorossi recording four wins and two losses across all competitions and an eye-popping sixteen goals scored compared to six allowed goal. . Although the good form has come at the expense of several key players’ places in the starting eleven, Romanisti everywhere are certainly in better spirits now than around Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow’s game against Milan is the first real challenge for the Giallorossi since this run of good form began. After all, December started with a 2-0 loss to Atalanta and since then it has been smooth sailing against the strength of the opposition (don’t remind me of the Como loss again, please). Paulo Fonseca’s Milan are not at full strength and even if they were, they are currently in eighth place; they are not the world-beaters they have been in recent years.

But this kind of marquee matchup retains its sparkle even when both sides underplay their expectations, and you can bet your bottom dollar that the players will go all out for this one. If Roma can pull off a convincing win against Milan, it will turn the cautious optimism many have begun to feel about the Giallorossi into full-blown hope. Hope for a new year: it wouldn’t be so bad, right?

What to look for

Are the back three here to stay?

When Claudio Ranieri returned to Trigoria, skeptics wondered whether the veteran manager could stabilize a Roma defense that has been uncharacteristically porous this season. Somehow, once out-of-favourite defender Mats Hummels has answered the call. The Germany stalwart, who signed a short-term deal last summer, has silenced any doubts with his impressive performances over the past month. His leadership has transformed the Giallorossi’s backline into a cohesive and disciplined unit. As Ranieri noted in his pre-match press conference, Roma’s intention to extend Hummels’ stay is as much a testament to his quality as it is a signal of their ambition.

Hummels’ importance in Ranieri’s defense during this run of form cannot be overstated and his good form looks set to inform Roma’s plans for January mercato. Corriere dello Sport are now reporting that any potential January reinforcements depend on the club’s commitment to Ranieri’s preferred back-three formation. The system has not only revitalized the defense but also provided a stable platform for the team’s midfield to flourish. With Mario Hermoso increasingly looking set to leave Roma in January, Roma are reportedly eyeing the market for two defensive additions. But the key piece of the puzzle remains Hummels – if he stays, the blueprint for the defense remains intact.

Hummels’ presence in defense in the back three looms large as the Giallorossi head to the San Siro. Even without Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, Milan’s attack is quite potent and Hummels’ ability to rally the back line and remain calm under pressure will be critical. Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata will pose far more of a challenge to this defense than any other striker they have faced in December, but Ranieri’s defense has shown resilience in recent weeks. A clean sheet against even a weakened Milan attack would show that Roma can turn the corner on a terrible first half of the season and even win against Italy’s biggest clubs.

Another chance for Pisilli?

It’s easy to pinpoint the two true blue bright spots of Roma’s season to date, and while the emergence of Mile Svilar is clearly the best result of 2024, the emergence of Niccolò Pisilli is a close second. With Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Ranieri prefers Pisilli to start tomorrow’s game against Milan over more experienced options, the match could mark a defining moment in the youngster’s burgeoning career. So far, Pisilli has played consistently, but not necessarily against the biggest names in Italian football. A start against Milan would change that and his ability to break lines and press high could be crucial in disrupting Paulo Fonesca’s game plan.

Pisilli’s rise has also sparked action behind the scenes, with reports of a contract extension already in the works. Roma are clearly keen to tie down their academy graduate, signaling their belief that he can become a cornerstone of the squad for years to come. The timing of these conversations is not coincidental; giving Pisilli a key role against Milan is not only a reward for his performances in training, but also a message to the player and the fans that he is an integral part of the club’s vision. A strong showing on Sunday could speed up those negotiations and cement Pisilli’s status as one of Trigoria’s crown jewels.

If Pisilli impresses again against Milan, it will be further confirmation that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. If he can handle the pressure of the San Siro, he will send a clear message to Ranieri and the Roma champions: he is ready to take on more responsibility. Rumors of a January exit for Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini may still be rumours, but they have made one thing clear: in the eyes of the top brass, there is a hole in midfield. Only time will tell if Pisilli is the right piece to fill it up.

Match details

Date: December 29

Kickoff: 20:45 CET/2:45 EST

Meeting place: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan

Judge: Michael Fabbri