Prediction: AS Roma vs AC Milan

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: bet365

It’s been a while since both AS Roma and AC Milan were involved in the Serie A title chase, but following some impressive results this season, the two sides will give their best to win the high-profile encounter at Stadio Olimpico and stay close to league leaders Juventus.

AS Roma

Former Udinese and Zenit boss Luciano Spalletti has encountered numerous problems since arriving at Stadio Olimpico, but he has done really well to stabilise the results and get AS Roma back where they belong. Some excellent showings from the previous campaign clearly gave the team a much needed confidence boost in the summer and the Giallorossi have been flying high ever since. Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko is clearly the player who has shown the biggest improvement from last term as he has been bagging goals for fun this term, establishing an excellent attacking partnership with Mohamed Salah. The return to form of Kevin Strootman served as another major boost, and this increased competition for places has clearly had a very positive effect on the results. The Giallorossi recovered well from the 2-1 loss to high-flying Atalanta as they went on to defeat Pescara and arch rivals Lazio, but with holders Juventus still four points in front, they will have to continue the winning run against AC Milan. AS Roma are unbeaten in last four home games against the Rossoneri (W2 D2), and this also gives them confidence heading into Monday’s game.

Team News

Kostas Manolas, Diego Perotti and Federico Fazio have shaken off minor injuries, while Kevin Strootman is available after his suspension was reversed.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, Alessandro Florenzi and Leandro Paredes are out injured, with Antonio Rudiger and Bruno Peres expected to start on the wings.

AC Milan

It was former AS Roma coach Vincenzo Montella who completely transformed AC Milan in a similar way to Luciano Spalletti and his instant success at Stadio Olimpico. And even though many believe this is one of the Rossoneri’s least talented squads, they have done incredibly well this term, as the players appear to have responded well to all the takeover talk. The new Chinese owners are expected to spend considerable amount of cash on new players once the takeover is complete, which basically means that some of the old guns will be deemed surplus to requirements. And with the AC Milan stars now playing for their futures, the new-found motivation gave them the extra edge over most other Serie A sides. The Rossoneri have been especially impressive since mid September, winning nine of last 12 league fixtures (D2 L1), and they now sit level on points with second-placed AS Roma, albeit four points adrift of leaders Juventus. The strained relationship between star striker Carlos Bacca and club officials didn’t have such a negative effect on the squad, but rather helped summer recruit Gianluca Lapadula prove his worth at San Siro, and after bagging three goals in last two appearances, the former Pescara hotshot appears to have moved in front of the Colombian in the pecking order. AC Milan, too, need to win this game if they want to keep their title hopes alive, so everything suggests we will witness a cracking encounter on Monday evening.

Team News

Giacomo Bonaventura and Matias Fernandez have recovered from their respective injuries, but Carlos Bacca is doubtful through a muscle problem.

Important midfielder Juraj Kucka misses out through suspension, whereas Riccardo Montolivo and Davide Calabria are out injured.

Key Factors to Consider

• AS Roma are unbeaten in last four home meetings with AC Milan (W2 D2)
• Both teams scored in their last three meetings
• The away team scored 13 goals in their last 10 meetings
• A total of 18 goals were scored in AC Milan’s last four fixtures
• AS Roma won last ten Serie A games on home soil

Conclusion

With both teams in excellent form at the moment and bagging goals for fun, chances are we will witness an entertaining encounter at Stadio Olimpico. Their last three matches saw both teams scoring and we do expect the trend to continue.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: bet365