AS Roma vs AC Milan

The Stadio Olimpico becomes the epicenter of Italian football tonight, Sunday, January 25, 2026, as AS Roma hosts AC Milan in a pivotal top-four clash. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET).

This is a heavyweight battle with Scudetto and Champions League implications. AC Milan sits in 2nd place (46 points), trailing leaders Inter by six points (with a game in hand). Meanwhile, AS Roma, transformed under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, occupies 4th place (42 points) and is looking to leapfrog Napoli into the top three.

Match Information

AS Roma: The Gasperini Effect

Since Gian Piero Gasperini took over, the Giallorossi have become the most defensively disciplined side in Europe’s top five leagues, conceding only 12 goals all season. They enter this match on a streak of four consecutive 2–0 victories across all competitions, including a midweek Europa League triumph over Stuttgart.

Team News and Selection:

• The "Malen" Impact: New signing Donyell Malen scored on his debut last weekend and is expected to lead the line again.

• Injury Crisis: Despite their form, Roma is depleted. Artem Dovbyk, Mario Hermoso, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Tommaso Baldanzi are all sidelined with muscle injuries.

• Illness Alert: Angeliño and Niccolò Pisilli are both fighting a virus; while Pisilli is expected to make the bench, Angeliño remains a major doubt.

• Rising Star: 21-year-old Niccolo Pisilli has been the breakout star of the winter, providing the creative spark in the absence of veteran leaders.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.

AC Milan: Allegri’s Unbeaten Machine

Massimiliano Allegri has turned Milan into a "result machine." The Rossoneri are currently on a 20-match unbeaten run in Serie A—the second-longest active streak in Europe behind only Bayern Munich. They arrive in Rome following clinical wins over Lecce and Como, fueled by a deep and versatile squad.

Team News and Selection:

• Leão's Playground: Rafael Leão has a historic affinity for this fixture, having been involved in 8 goals against Roma in his career.

• The "Fullkrug" Doubt: Striker Niclas Füllkrug is battling a toe injury. While he travelled with the squad, Allegri may opt for a more mobile front two of Christopher Nkunku and Leão.

• Midfield Stability: Luka Modrić and Adrien Rabiot have formed a veteran partnership that has dominated Italian midfields this winter.

• Defensive Boost: Koni De Winter is expected to keep his place in the starting XI over Strahinja Pavlović following a string of dominant aerial performances.

• Predicted XI (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modrić, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Leão.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Historical Edge: AC Milan has beaten Roma more times in Serie A (81) than any other opponent in their history.

• Reverse Fixture: Milan edged the first meeting of the season 1–0 at the San Siro in November 2025.

• Clean Sheet Kings: Roma is chasing four consecutive league clean sheets for the first time since 2013.

• Away Efficiency: Milan averages 2.20 points per game on the road this season, actually performing slightly better away from the San Siro than at home.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This is a clash of "The Great Wall" vs. "The Unbeaten Streak." Gasperini’s Roma will employ their signature high-intensity man-marking, looking to stifle Luka Modrić and force Milan into wide areas. However, Roma's lack of natural depth on the wings (due to El Shaarawy's injury) might leave them vulnerable to the explosive pace of Rafael Leão.

Allegri will likely be content to play a "waiting game," relying on the defensive trio of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Koni De Winter to absorb Roma’s pressure before launching Nkunku on the break. Given both teams' defensive records, a high-scoring affair is unlikely.

Final Score Prediction: AS Roma 0–1 AC Milan