AC Milan and AS Roma are gearing up for a highly anticipated Serie A clash at the iconic San Siro, set for December 30, 2024. With both teams battling for improved standings as the year draws to a close, this match promises to be pivotal for each club’s aspirations.
AC Milan enters the contest under the guidance of coach Paulo Fonseca, who faces significant injury setbacks within his squad. Star winger Christian Pulisic is out of action due to injury, and Milan's attacking options are severely limited. Fellow forward Rafael Leao is also sidelined, alongside Noah Okafor, Yunus Musah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alessandro Florenzi, leaving Fonseca to readjust his strategy significantly.
Filippo Terracciano is expected to step up in midfield, with Alex Jimenez likely to fill the gap left by Leao’s absence on the left wing. At the back, Theo Hernandez will make his return to the starting lineup after two consecutive games on the bench. The pressure mounts for Milan as they attempt to continue building on recent success following their narrow 1-0 victory against Hellas Verona which broke their streak of mixed results. The team hopes to continue this positive trend as they prepare for the Giallorossi.
Conversely, AS Roma, under the helm of veteran coach Claudio Ranieri, arrives on the back of successful momentum after decisively beating Parma 5-0. Despite some inconsistencies, the Giallorossi's confidence surged following the stunning victory. Bryan Cristante remains the only notable absentee due to injury, giving Roma fewer concerns as they prepare to take on Milan.
Kickoff for this exciting encounter is set for 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT), and fans worldwide are eager to witness the showdown. Viewers can catch the match live on TNT Sports 1 and OneFootball in the UK as well as on Paramount+ for US audiences. Italian viewers can tune in via DAZN.
The tactical battle promises to be intriguing, as both Fonseca and Ranieri are known for their strategic acumen. Milan's recent patchy form has them sitting at eighth with 26 points, just behind Roma, which has found itself at 10th with only 19 points. Both teams are frustrated by their positions and are eager to secure three points to improve their standings and maintain hopes for European competition.
Milan's home ground advantage is substantial, especially since they have not lost against Roma at San Siro for their last nine encounters, boasting six victories and three draws. Historical performance suggests Milan averages 2.2 goals per game against Roma, which holds additional weight as the Rossoneri seek to build on this trend.
On the other hand, AS Roma faces the challenge of replicative their recent home form on the road, where they have struggled significantly, posting four draws and four losses away from the Stadio Olimpico this season. Ranieri has stressed the importance of discipline and control against such quality opposition, remarking on how Milan does not concede many goals at home. "It’s all about paying attention to details and ensuring we maintain our composure throughout the match," he stated during the pre-match press conference.
Players to watch include Paulo Dybala for Roma, who has been key to their attacking efficiency and will look to capitalize on any defensive frailties from Milan. Meanwhile, Rafael Leao’s absence amplifies the expectations on Jimenez and Terracciano to replicate his influence on the left front. Both teams promise compelling performances, with fans eagerly anticipating moments of brilliance.
Betting predictions suggest marginal odds favoring AC Milan, potentially reflecting their home record and recent performance. Odds from various betting platforms like 1Win and Parisbet suggest Milan may stand at advantages, especially for markets such as ‘both teams to score’, considering both teams' attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities.
Overall, fans can expect not only fierce competition reflecting the rich histories of these two clubs but also the high stakes involved as they push for reinvigorated seasons. All eyes will be on the San Siro as the last match of the year promises to deliver thrilling football, emotions, and possibly memorable moments.