Roma vs AC Milan

AS Roma return home needing to continue to win if they are to keep pace with league leaders Inter Milan and retain at least a glimmer of hope of catching them in the table. AC Milan are coming off of a victory of their own and this contest has all the makings of an electric derby.

Roma scored a huge victory away from home in week 27 when they defeated Napoli by a score of 0-2 at the Stadio San Paolo. With the 3 points the side managed by Nedo Spaletti are now in 2^nd place with 58 points on the year. This leaves them 6 points back of 1^st place Inter Milan and 7 ahead of 3^rd place Juventus. The giallorossi have now extended their unbeaten run to 4 matches. During that stretch they have won 3 of the 4 with 1 draw with 8 goals scored and 1 conceded. This week Roma are expected to have everyone available with Totti, Mexes and Juan confirmed starters.

Much like Roma, AC Milan scored a huge win on the road as they defeated Empoli by a score of 1-3. Milan are in the running for a UEFA Champions League spot and now sit in 5^th place of the Serie A table with 46 points. They are 1 point back of 4^th place Fiorentina and 6 points ahead of 6^th place Udinese. Thanks to their strong victory, the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti have now extended their unbeaten run to 10 consecutive matches. This week the injured list consists of Dida, Ronaldo, Cafu, Serginho and Inzaghi. The good news is that Kaka’ is back in the starting eleven and will start alongside Seedorf just behind Pato.

With both sides coming into this contest playing so well it promises to be a tough match. It will be interesting to see how much turnover Spaletti decides to employ given that Roma are still in the Champions League and will be playing again in 4 days time as this is a double week in Serie A. AC Milan are also playing in 4 days time but don’t that the Champions League baggage that could play a factor in Roma’s fitness. Also, Milan have played better on the road than they have at home and that should make them good for at least a point against Roma.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)