Roma vs Milan: Predicted Line-Ups, Tactical Battle and Key Players to Watch

For Illustration Purpose Only

🔥 Head-to-Head (H2H) Stats

Roma vs Milan all-time (top-flight):

• Milan wins: ~86
• Roma wins: ~54
• Draws: ~63
Roma and Milan have a long, competitive history — Milan edges the overall record. Recent H2H meetings have been tight, with low scoring trends and alternating winners. Average goals in H2H matches is around 2.7–2.8 per game historically, though the last couple ended under 2.5 goals.

Form insights:

• Roma: Solid recent form with multiple wins; efficient defense with ~12 conceded this season.
• Milan: Unbeaten in 20 league matches (~13W-7D), sitting near the top of Serie A.

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🧠 Predicted Starting XI (Estimated)

🐺 AS Roma (likely 3-4-2-1)

GK: Mile Svilar

CBs: Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, (Ghilardi/Gilardi)

Wing-backs: Tsimikas, Çelik (or Rensch)

Midfield: Koné, Cristante

Attacking mids: Dybala, Soulé/Pellegrini

CF: Donyell Malen (or Ferguson if fit)

Notes: Dovbyk, Hermoso, El Shaarawy injured; Pellegrini could slot into the front support role.

🔴⚫ AC Milan (likely 3-5-2)

GK: Mike Maignan

CBs: Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Koni De Winter/Pavlović

Wing-mids: Estupiñán, Saelemaekers/Bartesaghi

Midfield: Samuele Ricci, Adrien Rabiot, Luka Modrić

Forwards: Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão

*Alternative media predictions vary, with some suggesting a 4-2-3-1 shape featuring Rafael Leão as a false nine, supported by Pulisic and Chukwueze from the flanks.

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🧩 Key Tactical Battles

⚔️ Midfield control

• Modrić (Milan) vs Cristante (Roma) — experience and tempo control vs physicality and transition. The midfield battle will shape possession and attacking rhythm.

⚔️ Wide transitions

• Roma rely on wing-backs and fast breaks (Tsimikas/Celik) vs Milan’s wing-mids (Estupiñán/Saelemaekers/Bartesaghi) for width and crossing opportunities.

⚔️ Defense vs counter

• Roma’s defensive solidity (only ~12 conceded) against Milan’s quick forwards (Leão/Pulisic) could be decisive — especially on the break.

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⭐ Key Players to Watch

🐺 AS Roma

• Paulo Dybala – Creative focal point, link-up and shots from distance.
• Donyell Malen – Mobile striker, dangerous in behind defenses.
• Evan Ndicka – Defensive rock, excellent in aerial duels.

🔴⚫ AC Milan

• Rafael Leão – Game changer; pace and directness a threat.
• Luka Modrić – Veteran playmaker, dictates tempo.
• Christian Pulisic – Width and goal threat from the flanks.

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📝 Summary

AS Roma vs AC Milan on 25 January 2026 is shaping up as a high-stakes Serie A duel with tactical nuances:

• Milan’s unbeaten run and tactical discipline make them favorites on paper, but they face a Roma side growing in confidence.
• Head-to-head history suggests a tight contest with average scoring but no runaway victories.
• The midfield battle and transitions will likely decide momentum — Roma’s solid defensive record vs Milan’s attacking stars.
• Expect a competitive, strategic game, potentially cagey early with chances opening up later as each side seeks control.